Patriots' Day (13th August) Celebration in New Delhi
Manipuri Diaspora Association, Delhi

New Delhi, August 13, 2010

Patriots' Day (13th August) celebrated by Manipuri Diaspora Association, Delhi.

Manipuri Diaspora Association, Delhi, a secular and non-profit organization of Manipuris settled in Delhi and its surrounding areas, observed 'Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General Saheed (PATRIOTS DAY)' on 13th August 2010 at Triveni Kala Sangam Aditorium, Tansen Marg, New Delhi-1 in commemoration of the heroes of Anglo-Manipur war 1891.

On this fateful day in 1891, these two great patriots namely Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General who fought bravely against the British were publicly hanged by the British at Pheida Pung (present Imphal Pologround) Shri Vincent H.Pala, Hon'ble Minister of State in the Ministry of Water Resources, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest ; Shri Rishang Keishing, Hon'ble MP (Rajya Sabha), as Guest of Honour, & Sh. Thangso Baite, Hon'ble MP (LS) was the special invitee.

This historic function was presided over by Dr. Thokchom Meinya, Hon'ble MP (Lok Sabha) from Manipur. The function was also attended by various other special invitees and dignitaries. Rich homage and floral tributes were paid to the martyrs of the Anglo-Manipur war of 1891 by all those present in the function.

While speaking on the occasion, the chief guest Shri Vincent H.Pala expressed his happiness regarding the efforts made by Manipuri Diaspora Association, Delhi to observe such a historically significant occasion in the National Capital. He further emphasized that present and future generations should draw lessons from the sacrifices made by our great patriots in the past.

Such acts of supreme sacrifices should inspire the people of Manipur in particular and North Eastern Regions in general to find a solution to the existing turmoil in the region so that people of the region can co-exist peacefully and harmoniously.

Sh. Rishang, in his speech stressed the need for harmonious living of all communities in Manipur and Dr. Meinya also categorically emphasized the youngsters to be Indianess in their mind at the first place.

On this historic occasion, Shri Vincent H.Pala, Hon'ble Minister of State in the Ministry of Water Resources released a colourful Souvenir on the Anglo-Manipur war, 1891 was also released.

The function concluded with a colourful Traditional Manipuri dances & cultural programme like Maibi Jagoi, Pung Cholom, Thang-Ta, Kabui-Naga, etc presented by various artists associated with Manipuri Diaspora Association, Delhi and also an opening patriotic song presented by Sh. Ningthoujam Nabachandra Singh, AIR artist & Music Director lightened this historic day.

Under the leadership of Dr. T. Meinya , members of the Manipuri Diaspora Association paid special homage and floral tribute to the martyrs at 9.30 AM at 'Manipur Institute of Performing Arts' Plot No.88, Sector-18, Gurgoan, Haryana.

H. Nageshwar Singh
General Secretary Manipuri Diaspora Association, Delhi