IMPHAL, January 9: The Manipur State Archaeology, Department of Art and Culture and the Maharaj Gambhir Singh Memorial Trust, Chanchipur observed the 179th death anniversary of Maharaj Gambhir Singh at Canchipur today.
The function commenced with the offering of floral tributes to a portrait of Maharaj Gambhir Singh and Narsingh which was followed by a gun salute from the jawans of the Manipur Rifles.
Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh in his address as the chief guest of the observation highlighted on the life of Maharaj Gambhir Singh and elaborated that during his short time as the king of the land, he had accomplished a lot.
He continued that learning from our past; we can plan for their future and create a better vision for the state.
He said, “Kabaw valley was a part of Manipur but considering the sentiment of the Burmese king; the British and the Indian govt without the assent of Manipuri people, the interest of Manipur was sacrificed and Kabaw valley was ceded to Burma”.
The Minister added that the Maharaj represent the spirit of the Manipuri people and is an aspiring icon for the youths of Manipur today.
Speaking at the function, Mutua Museum Director, Dr Mutua Bahadur lamented over the forgotten and unattended historical sites of Manipur and urged both the government and the people of the state to make a collective effort to preserve historical sites.
Meanwhile, the United People’s Front (UPF), Manipur also celebrated the re-consolidation Day commemorating the death anniversary of Meidingu Chinglen Nongdrenkhomba known as the Maharaj Gambhir Singh at Manipur Press Club here today.
Speaking at the function today, Kh Suranjoy, Secretary General in-Charge of UPF appealed the people to remember the views and role of the patriot in bringing about a new Manipur by rejoining the hill and valley separated by the Seven Years Devastation and seriously discuss to develop today’s politics, administration, economy and culture.
Amu Kamei, President of Zeliangrong Union, AMN said there are many things lacking while writing the history of Manipur as no one has discussed how Maharaj Gambhir Singh stayed during the 7 years devastation. Pointing out that Civil Society Organisations allowed only the Meiteis to participate in any of their issues, he said that every community should be united if the state is to be saved.
The sense of belongingness has caused the division of majority and minority, he added. He then urged the people that if there is our forefathers’ blood in our veins then we should remember what they did for us.