Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 11:
Maharaja Narasingh's patriotism and sacrifice made for the cause of the land during his fights with the Burmese army is an example for the present day Ministers as well as the people to love and respect ones land, said Commerce and Industries Minister N Mangi.
The Minister was speaking as president of the National Dedication Celebration Day 2005 function held at Kangla here today in connection with the 155th Death anniversary of Maharaja Narasingh.
The Minister expressed great happiness and stated that it is a great feeling to be able to celebrate the 155 death anniversary of Narasingh inside Kangla Fort after so many decades.
Stating that it would be a great injustice done to Maharaja Narasingh, if we simply forget the role played by him and Gambhir Singh in reclaiming Manipur from the hands of the Burmese army after the Seven Years Devastation period (1819 to 1826), Mangi said that the works undertaken by Maharaja Narasingh's during his brief rule (1844-1856) for the development of arts and culture, Kangla fort and relations between the hill and valley people are also very laudable.
Minister Mangi also appealed to the public to extend all possible cooperation in the development of Kangla Fort.
Mention may be made here that the Assam Rifles authorities had handed over the Kangla Fort to the public during Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's visit to the State in November last year.
Lauding Maharaja Narasingh for his sacrifice and ' patriotism, Arts and Culture Minister Ph Parijat who also attended the function as the chief guest stated that such celebration should not be held only in Kangla but should also be observed all over the State in future.
The Government from its side would extend all possible help and would not shy away from its responsibilities, he added.
As a part of the celebration, several awards we^ also handed over to different persons for excelling different fields.
The awardees are Mutum Bokul (Culture), Katherine Malswamkimi Chojai (Agriculture), Mangkhojan Kipgen (Police service) and Konthoujam Bidu Singh (Education).