EMA's annual social gathering Manipuri diasporas re-group amidst bonhomie and nostalgia
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 07 2010: Annual social gathering of the European Manipuri Association (EMA) 2010 was held recently from August 27 to 29 at the famous Debden house camping site, on the edge of the Epping Forest, Essex, United Kingdom, The gathering commenced on the evening of August 27 .

As part of an effort of nurturing traditional values through entertainment activities, a documentary film on Thang-Ta, the martial arts of Manipur was screened.

It was then followed by a delicious authentic Manipuri dinner.

The general body meeting commenced on the next morning with floral tributes to the late noted author Saroj Nalini Arambam Parratt with poignant recollections of her contributions towards EMA and Manipur as a whole.

Members observed a minute's silence as a mark of respect to the departed leader.

Members of the European Manipuri Association at the annual social gathering

"She will continue to act as beacon for all of us whenever we are in need of direction and Guidance.

May her soul rest in peace" conveyed EMA in a press release.

Following the tribute, Dr Amor Sinha, founder Chairperson of EMA was felicitated as an appreciation for his enormous contributions to EMA.

He was presented with one of the rare original 1st edition copy of "The Meiteis" by TC Hodson.

The meeting officially opened with the Chairperson welcoming everyone especially the new members.

The general secretary then shared the activities of the previous years along with the planned upcoming programmes for the year ahead with additional inputs from the Information secretary.

The meeting progressed with discussions on various topics with enormous and constructive inputs from the members leading to productive outcomes.

A heart warming farewell was given to Yaiphabi Chanu Thoudam as the outgoing treasurer, which was followed by the unanimous nomination of Mayanglambam Guneshwar as the new treasurer of EMA.

Following the tradition of previous EMA gatherings this year's gathering too was a memorable one.

Special emphasis was given on encouraging traditional values with nostalgic outdoor activities creating a camaraderie among the members.

After a sumptuous lunch consisting of authentic and mouth watering Manipuri dishes, members had a group photograph which was followed by the days main outdoor activities.

The members got invigorated by the beats and delights of Thabal Chongba, which was followed by nostalgic events of Chaphu Thugaibi and Thouri Chingnabi.

As the day progressed, the place was filled with joy and laughter as everyone enjoyed the nostalgic game of 'Housie' till the early hours of the night.

In continuation of the concept of promoting "Be Manipuri Grow Manipuri" , EMA members shared rare indigenous herbs and plants (toningkhok, Umorok, Maroi Napakpi, and many other indigenous vegetables and herbs).

Members had brought the authentic herbs and plants from their own gardens in Europe, keeping the spirit of creating "A Home away from Home" .

Another motivating aspect of the gathering was an audio visual presentation on "the glimpses of 19th century Manipur through the eyes of the British" by Dr Bishwajeet Elangbam.

The presentation of around 20 images from the original 1891 edition of Illustrated London News Daily gave the members an interesting historical aspects of life in Manipur in the 19th century hitherto unknown to many of the EMA members.