Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 17 2009:
As mark of remembrance of the historic event of Puya Meithaba and taking up the cause of imparting the knowledge of Puyas among the younger generation, students in private schools have begun attended their classes wearing black ribbons.
At the initiative of the All Manipur Recognised Private Schools Welfare Association, the campaign has been kicked off from Royal Academy of Sciences at Ningthem Pukhri Mapal today, a day ahead of the 280th commemorative event of Puya Meithaba to be observed under the aegis of Meetei National Front, Kangleipak tomorrow.
Speaking at the occasion, advisor of All Manipur Recognised Private Schools Welfare Association N Tomba observed that it is essential to for the younger generation to be aware of the historic event of destroying the Manipuri Puyas by making a bonfire in front of the Kangla Uttra during the reign of Manipuri king Pamheiba on 23rd day of Wakching in 1729 .
Describing Puyas as the storehouse of knowledge and the incident of making a bonfire of the Puyas as the most unfortunate, Tomba said that the Puyas had been destroyed at the instigation of Shantidas Gossai, a religious missionary.
Along with burning of the Puyas, many priceless manuscripts related to the knowledge of economy, geography, culture, religious belief and social etiquette of the Manipuri people too have been lost, he said, adding that the incident should be remembered and condemned by the people.