Imphal, November 13 2010: A three-day international convention on the present status of Manipuri language and its development kicked off today at Kangla Hall, Imphal.

Manipuri speaking people from China, Myanmar, Bangladesh etc.

are taking part in the convention.

Research forum Manipur (REFORM) organized the convention in collaboration with SCERT, Directorate of Education (University), Art and Culture Department and Manipur University.

Vice-chancellor of MU, C Amuba graced the inaugural function as chief guest.

In his speech as chief guest, C Amuba lauded the research being done for identifying the original words of Manipuri language cautioning that it should not be based on sentiment.

He said, if there are appropriate words in Manipuri to replace foreign words the same should be replaced.

There is nothing wrong in using foreign words if there is no appropriate original word to take the place.

Even in the English language many words which are not of its own origins are in use, he said.

Amuba observed that the only way for development of a language is the development of Sahitya (literature).

The word 'sahitya' itself is not Manipuri.

Our literature has enough depth to replace this word but we need to be look into it.

Organizing such an international convention with the objective of developing Manipuri language is most encouraging.

Participation of Manipuris settling outside the state is also a must, he said.

Speaking as guest of honour in the function, Secretary, Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur, Dr Hamom Nabachandra termed Manipuri language as a living language.

In course of time, there had been many changes in the language.

This changes need to be very carefully shepherded to bring the development the language in a positive direction.

There are many things to be done for the development of the language after it's inclusion in the eighth schedule of the Constitution of India.

A thorough discussion to identify the areas that are needed for the development of the language is a must, he added.

In the key note address of the convention, writer Naorem Indramani said that though Manipur is a small state, it has its own language and script which is more than 2000 years old and the language itself is the lingua franca of the people in the state.

The REFORM organized the convention with the objective of discussing for development of the language at the international level.

During the three day convention, status of the language in their respective countries will be tabled by delegates from Myanmar, China, Bangladesh, America, etc., he said.

Director of SCERT, N Devala presided the opening function.

A souvenir entitled "Ningsing Chephong" was also released on the occasion.

The discussion session was moderated by Nahakpam Arun of Manipur University.

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