Imphal, September 30: Floral tributes and competitions on march past, patriotic songs and poetry recitation marked the 109th birth anniversary celebration of Jananeta Hijam Irabot throughout the nook and corner of the State and beyond.

In addition to several organisations celebrating the day at their respective localities, the ideals and philosophy of the pioneer figure were also reiterated in Assam�s Barak Valley - Silchar.

Under the joint auspices of Irabot Sangha Committee, Committee on Culture for Peace and Integrity, United Manipuri Association (Assam) and All Assam Manipuri Students� Union, the birth anniversary of Hijam Irabot was held at Gandhi Bhavan (Silchar).

Prior to the Gandhi Bhavan congregation public paid homage to the revered leader by offering floral tributes at his statue installed at Jananeta Irabot Sarani.

The celebration programme was held with MU Prof (Retd) Dr Y Mahendra Singh, ex-MP Nurul Hooda and chairman of Manipuri Kala Akademi O Churamani Singh as the chief guest, president and special guest respectively.

In addition to Irabot�s close associates - Thounaojam Iboyaima and Anil Chakravarty - recalling aspiration and ideals of Irabot to establish an egalitarian society Dr Subhaprasad Nandi Majumdar, W Sharatchandra Singh and Thokchom Bishwanath Singh presented papers on the life and work of the jananeta.

Iboyaima and Anil Chakravarty were honoured by the programme hosts with presentation of simple gifts and citations.

A Kavi Sammelan session in different languages and staging of cultural items were also held in connection with the anniversary celebration.

The anniversary celebration at Khuman Lampak main Stadium under the aegis of Irabot Celebration Committee commenced with women vendors of Khwairamband Keithel leading a march from Irabot Bhavan carrying the statue of Jananeta Hijam Irabot.

Addressing the gathering, where numerous CPI leaders and workers took part, party�s General Secretary AB Bardhan exhorted the State public, especially the younger generation, to follow and strive for fulfilling the goals set by Irabot.

He expressed jubilation on being extended the opportunity to participate in the birth anniversary of Irabot, whom he described as an upholder of Manipur�s rich culture, tradition and identity as well as promoter of physical activities (sports).

Bardhan also highlighted the initiatives taken by Irabot to strengthen bond of unity amongst various communities.

Attending the programme as guest of honour Works Minister Th Debendra called upon the people to shed narrow differences and work together to bring about peace, unity and prosperity in Manipur.

CPI leaders like M Ibohal, B Sharma, art and Culture Minister Ph Parijat and Industries Minister N Mangi also spoke on the occasion.

At Leimarol Arts Centre, Singjamei Chingmakha a total of 53 participants took part in the �Lamyanba Hijam Irabot Memorial State Level patriotic Recitation Competition� organised by UPF.

A Imojit of Kongba Nandeibam Leikai bagged the top position (Rs 1500) followed by G Gyanbati of Kongba and H Anamika of Thangmeiband in second (Rs 1200) and third (Rs 1000) place respectively.

Consolation prizes each carrying Rs 200 were also presented to contestants who secured fourth to tenth positions.

Special prizes were also awarded to S Gloria of Leitang village and Chingtham Kalpana of Singjamei Girls HS.

Representatives of Hericoun and Nipco also graced the celebration held from 10 am till around 5 in the evening.

In the march past competition organised by MAFYF at THAU ground, Thangmeiband Royal Academy of Science (Wangkhei) was declared the winner with Eternal Spring English School (Sekta) and Takhel Sanjenbam High School bagging the second and third prizes respectively.

Prizes to the top three position winners as well as Rs 500 to every contingent would be distributed on the occasion of MAFYF�s foundation day on October 18, said a press release.

Reports of various NGOs celebrating the anniversary at their respective premises/localities also poured in.

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