LONDON, Sept 5: The annual general meeting and social gathering of the European Manipuri Association (EMA) was recently held from August 26 to 28 at Margate, one of the most popular seaside holiday resorts on the eastern coast of Kent, United Kingdom.
Many individuals and families of Manipur origin who are currently staying in Europe attended the annual social gathering, the event has become one of the most significant yearly event of the EMA members to come together on a common platform and share a memorable weekend of discussing current issues, enjoying cultural activities, savouring traditional culinary thereby creating a sense of togetherness. Continuing EMA’s effort to share and promote authentic local dishes from various parts of Manipur, the attending members brought homemade delicacies of different varieties on the first evening of the get-together. Members also shared authentic traditional Manipuri herbs and vegetables grown lovingly at their gardens in Europe. The evening came to an end after a series of mini meetings and gatherings of members, exchanging greeting, views and ideas on different issues ranging from personal to current burning topics of Manipur.
The General body meeting of the association was inaugurated by the out-going Chairperson, Dr. Shamurailatpam Krishnananda Sharma on the morning of August 27, followed by organisational reporting from the outgoing general secretary, Santosh Sougrakpam, treasurer Guneshwar Mayanglambam and information secretary Shanjoy Mairembam respectively, to update members on the various projects, activities and achievements of EMA during the previous year.
A heart-warming farewell was given to the outgoing committee, followed by the election of new committee members for the period 2011-2013. The unanimously elected new members are Okram Bishwajit as the chairperson, Khangembam Somorendro Somorendro as general secretary, Leichombam Ongbi Hijam Pinky as treasurer, Laishram Tiken as information secretary and Gurumayum Jaishree as executive member.
As part of promoting cultural activities especially among the young members, Marina Yaiphabi Mayanglambam, the beautiful five-years-old daughter of Guneshwar Mayanglambam and Mayanglambam Ongbi Sougaijam Nalita performed a mesmerising “Thoibi Jagoi” in full traditional attire, followed by brief information on the symbols and meaning behind the Meitei Jagoi. The spirit of culture was followed by the indispensable Manipuri sports spirit – Football, Thouri-Chingnabi and Chaphu-Thugaibi. Finally the day was concluded with an intellectual and thought provoking book exhibition hosted by Elangbam Bishwajeet, displaying rare collections of medieval Meitei-lon literature and books related to World War II in Manipur.
On behalf of the Association, the new EMA committee request all the people of Manipur origin living across Europe, of any belief, ideology and ethnicity, to be part of the EMA family and support EMA in achieving its goal. Commending the exhibition of books of immense importance, the new committee, would continue to work and promote the beauty of the various ethnicities of Manipur by organising exhibitions and presentations through the EMA platform.
