Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 20 2010:
The recognition of Manipuri (Meiteilol or Meeteilol) as one of the national languages of India in 1992 was celebrated today by various organisations under different themes.
On this day in 1992, Manipuri Language was included in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution.
To mark the day All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU), Manipuri Language Development Committee and EPATHOUKOK and Manipuri Language Development Society organised functions separately at their respective office premises.
AMSU observed the day as Manipuri Language Day at its head office premises at DM College campus with Prof Ch Manihar as chief guest.
It was presided over by AMSU President, Jamesbond Mangang.
In his address as chief guest, Prof Ch Manihar talked about the various tasks ahead of the people of the state to ensure the growth of the language stating that it will be wrong to be inactive now that the language has been included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
There are still many tasks to be carried out by the people of the state for the development of the language, he said adding that in such efforts, students' bodies like AMSU has a great role to play.
EPATHOUKOK observed the day as Manipuri Language Demand Day with a function at its office premises at Uripok Naoremthong with MLA L Nandakumar as chief guest of the function.
The MLA, in his speech, expressed unhappiness that there were no landmark developments of the language even after 19 years of recognition as a national language of the country citing that this was due to a lack of oneness in spirit among the people of the state.
He exhorted upon the people and organisations in the field of development of the language to leave their vested interests and to work together in a common spirit for the development of the language.
Like in previous years, the Manipuri Language Development Society also organised a function at Manipur Press Club to mark the day with Deputy Chairman of the Manipur State Planning Board, MLA Bijoy Koijam as chief guest.
Former principal of the DM College of Commerce, Dr O Kumar presided over the function.
The chief guest observed that Manipur is lagging behind in development because of a lack of unity among the people.
Differences among the people in every field has hindered the state from marching ahead.
So long as differences in taking up works for the development of the language are not sorted out, it will be hard to achieve the goal, he also added.