23rd Manipuri Language Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 20 2014: The All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) has today observed Manipuri Language Day at its office in DM College campus.

Chief guest of the function, Leihaothabam Saratchandra stated that language and culture are two vital elements through which the identity of a nation or ethnic group could be understood.

While giving his presidential address, AMSU president Thiyam Naresh Singh mentioned that August 20 has become an important day since 1992.Manipuri language was listed among the 23 scheduled languages of the Indian Constituency after a sustained mass movement.

But, Manipuri language does not get the status of classical language while other scheduled Indian languages get this status.

In this regard, the AMSU president suggested a mass movement for it.

A speaker addressing the Manipuri Language Day observance

Head of Department of Manipuri Language, Manipur University S Sanatombi Devi and former AMSU president Sagolsem Saratchandra were also present at the function.

In the meantime, Manipur Sahitya Parishad observed Manipur Language Day at its Sangaipat office in Imphal East district.

Yaiskul A/C MLA Elangbam Chand Singh and president of the Parishad Prof Elangbam Dinamani Singh attended the function as chief guest and president respectively.

Moreover, the Patriotic Writers' Forum too organised Manipuri Language Day at Manipur Press Club.

Convener of the Sahitya Academy Manipuri Advisory Board Huirem Behari Singh and vice-president of the Forum Raghu Leishangthem were the chief guest and president respectively.

Professor of Linguistic Department, Manipur University Chungkham Yashobanta Singh attended the function as a resource person.

Sanasam Umananda Singh and Dr Ningombam Rishnikumar were conferred Pacha Meetei Literary Award 2014 and R Kathing Tangkhul Literary Award 2014 respectively while Dr Saroj Nalini Parrat Literary Award 2014 was awarded to Kabrabam Nillakanta.

The 9th edition of the Forum's half yearly journal was also released during the function.

Furthermore, Manipur People's Party observed Manipuri Language Day at its office.

The function was attended by MPP President N Sovakiran Singh, MPP Chief Advisor Dr L Chandramani Singh, Vice-President O Jugindro Singh, N Ojit Singh and M Amutombi Singh as presidium members and Venerable Panthoupo as resource person.

In his speech, Sovakiran mentioned the roles taken by MPP MP Y Yaima Singh in the Parliament for inclusion of Manipur language in the 8th Schedule and added that Assamese and Manipuri languages are the only languages included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian constitution.

He further expressed displeasure for not writing Manipuri language in the currency notes of the country.