Imphal, August 12 2009: The month of August is observed for a number of reasons around the world.

Manipur too saw her freedom fighters martyred in the month of August.

August 4 every year is observed as Manipur Integrity Day.

In the month of August, Manipur is taken over by the usual movements and uprisings.

Teresa Rehman's exclusive online story 'Murder in plain sight' in the Tehelka weekly demonstrated love for her brethren in the peace-loving State of Manipur.

One more item has been added to the already hectic schedule for August in Manipur.

August seems synonymous with people's movements around the globe.

A host of nations gained independence from foreign occupancy in the month of August in different years.

Let's take a look.

Ecuador became a free country on August 10 1822 and Uruguay gained independence from Brazil on August 25 1825.After years of struggle, Bolivia became a republic on August 6 1825.Korea, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia celebrate their independence days in the month of August.

Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States on August 21 1959.Vietnam's revolution succeeded on August 19 1945.Gandhiji's Quit India movement materialised on August 9 1942 .

India gained Independence on August 15 1947 with the formation of Pakistan as a Muslim state.

August is a month in which some great tragedies are also commemorated.

The memory of the August 6 and August 9 bombings on Hirosima and Nagasaki in 1945, still lingers in the minds of peace-loving people of the globe.

After these greatest crimes against humanity, Japan declared unconditional surrender on August 15.August 13 is a red-letter day for all Manipuris.

It is on this day that two gallant sons of Manipur, Jubraj Takendrajit Bir Singh and Thangal General made the supreme sacrifice of their lives for love of their beloved country.

On the evening of August 13 1891, the British hanged them in public at Imphal Polo ground.

In the State's recent history, the All Manipur Students Union was born on August 28 1965 .

The very next day is observed as the infamous Hunger Marchers Day.

On this day many students laid down their lives in police firing while protesting against non-availability of rice due to artificial famine in the State.

The day is still remembered with observances marking the defeat of the ruthless anti-people attitude of rulers of the time.

August 4 every year is observed as Manipur Integrity Day by the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO); people pay tributes to the martyrs of the infamous June 18 uprising.

Patriotism means love for the motherland.

Love of a country means caring for its people.

That love is reflected in ensuring protection of life and not just in bringing material progress and temporal developments.

A ruler's patriotism can be assessed by his sincerity in safeguarding innocent commoners from crimes and vices.

Courtesy: (merinews.com) .

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