TODAY -

The man who bridges Manipuri Meiteis living beyond the eastern horizon

Hareshwar Goshwami *

Shraddha' - Last rites of late Pabung Kakchingtabam Sunder Gopal  at Mandalay, Myanmar :: March 26 2017
Shraddha' - Last rites of late Pabung Kakchingtabam Sunder Gopal at Mandalay, Myanmar on March 26 2017



Many people express their deep sorrow and heartfelt words when Aigya Sunder Gopal Sharma departs this world for the heavenly abode of God on 15-03-2017. There are hundreds more who could not express but felt shock and sorrow at the news of the demise of this man they lovingly call Aigya. Some friends and well wishers of Aigya even went to attend his 'Sradha' at Mandalay as a token of love for the late Aigya.

Still there are hundred others who could not go to Mandalay for one reason or other but observe it in Manipur. I am among the ones who could not go to Mandalay except offering some flowers and a prayer at the 'memorial service' organized by Indo-Myanmar Association and the YVO jointly at Wangkhei Pujah Lampak on the day of his Sradha. In profound contemplation, I recall an occasion in which I met Aigya for the first time.

The incident took place some fifteen years ago. That time I was working as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the then Chief Minister, W. Nipamacha Singh. As usual, I was very busy that day with official works and could not respond to the phone that was ringing continually. But I was forced to hold the phone due to its repeated buzzing.

The man on the line was an elderly person whom I have high regards since long. Before I could say a word, he told me that a team of Manipuri Meiteis from Mandalay was to arrive at Imphal that evening and would be staying for some time in Imphal with primary objective of offering prayer to Shri Shri Govindajee.

However, due to obstruction at Pallel by the Police, the team was forced to move back to Tengnoupal for their homeward journey towards Mandalay via Moreh after halting that night at Tengnoupal, he continued. In short, they were pushed back allegedly for lapses in immigration procedures. What the Tamo on line wanted was immediate intervention of the Hon'ble Chief Minister to bring back the team at Imphal that very evening, so that they may not be disheartened during their first visit.

I immediately went straight to the office chamber of 'Pabung' Nipamacha and informed him about the situation. At that time a very high ranking police officer was speaking (in fact routine briefing) to Pabung as usual for an evening. The police officer told me with an angry tone not to mingle with such matter. I didn't respond, instead continued insisting Pabung to allow the team to proceed to Imphal.

'Pabung' was looking up at the police officer, seemingly for a positive response. But the police officer pleaded that he had prior information about the problem and the visit of the team was not acceptable. He even said that there could be persons connected with insurgents in the team. Pabung's response to the police officer was quick and abrupt.

Ibungo … Pakisthan-dagi India-da phaoba lai khurumba-di adum chatnei. Makhoisingdo houjikmak Imphal-da porak-u; lanhouba samnaba yaorammaga phaodana. Silence prevailed for some time. CM 's logic seems to have outwitted the officer and he instantly informed the concerned officials to bring back the team who were proceeding towards Tengnoupal from Pallel to Imphal. I was so happy and went towards Thoubal for reception of the team with 'Tamo' and other well wishers who were waiting outside for 'Pabubg's response.

That night Aigya and his team halted at Shri Shri Ramji Prabhu Complex situated at Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal (If I remember correctly). I was so overwhelmed and excited to meet our long lost kinsman from beyond the eastern horizon. I could not interact with them except with Aigya for a few minutes, as they were very tired.

In fact, Aigya was the only person in the team who could speak Manipuri properly at that time. Next day, as expected, Tamo informed me that Aigya and his team wanted to call on the Chief Minister of Manipur whom they never met before. The arrangement of the meeting was not difficult for me as I knew the programme chart of the Chief Minister.

The meeting was arranged. The team was treated something like an undeclared State Guest as a hearty breakfast was also arranged at the indication of the Chief Minister himself. Both Pabung and the team led by Aigya were so happy as the occasion was first time for all of them.

Once again, the complicated part of the programme looms up for Aigya and the team wanted to have a photograph together with the Chief Minister of the land, so precious to them. The proposal was again objected by the Intelligence personnel posted at the CM's Secretariat. The objection was on the same ground that the entry procedures of the team in Manipur had lapses and a photograph together with the Chief Minister could be a complicated one in future.

On this, it was Pabung who was disappointed more than all of us. However, true to his original self, Pabung unexpectedly told us to photograph saying, " Phaklangda Manipur Calendar ga thetpara yeng-u. Kananasu khangpot natte, kadaida namba photo-no haiba. Eina Mandalay da chatpada nammakpa photo oiraboi khanjagani."

Security personnel were amazed. In fact, I was guided by enthusiasm, an enthusiasm for brotherhood and oneness which had partly blinded me. Photos were taken as much as we could. This occasion once again proves that, love knows no boundary. Aigya and his team were very happy. The keenness and hospitality of a Chief Minister at the first meeting might have inspired Aigya to come to Manipur more than hundred times thereafter for connecting the two separated culture once again.

Later on, people who frequented Aigya's place at Mandalay told me that Aigya Kakchingtabam Sunder Gopal Sharma, who is also called U Htun Swe in Burmese meaning something like (Ekaikhumnajariba) Sanathoi kept one of those photographs of the then Chief Minister Wahengbam Nipamacha Singh, Aigya himself and myself carefully at a corner of his drawing room.

Today Aigya is no more. I do not know whether the photo is still there or not. But the missing link Aigya bridges and the imprint he created in the mind of the once great Manipuris would remain for generations to come.


* Hareshwar Goshwami wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was posted on April 10 , 2017.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025