Imphal, July 24 2010: Health and Family Welfare Minister, Ph Parijat today termed Maharaj Bodhachandra as an able king of Manipur who brought about a sea of change in the social, political and economic spheres in Manipur.

Speaking at the inaugural function of two-day seminar on "Manipur during the reign of Maharaj Bodhachandra" at Kangla Hall today, the minister said that the seminar is a very important one as it involves discussing on the reign of last king of Manipur.

The seminar is also a historic one.

During the reign of Maharaj Bodhachandra there was a sea of change in the social, political and economic spheres in Manipur.

Manipur came under Dominion of India and subsequently merged with the Union of India in 1949 .

The seminar will throw lights on those aspects also which are not known or familiar with the public.

It will greatly benefit the present and future generations.

The modern history of Manipur will not be complete without studying the reign of Maharaj Bodhachandra and its impacts upon Manipur, he said.

Dr RK Nimai, commissioner (Art and Culture) who presided over the function said that the seminar is relevant to the present social conditions of the state.

To study the present it is essential to study its past history.

It was during the times of Maharaj Bodhachandra modernization witnessed in the state.

A major political change affected Manipur.

During the Bodhachandra's reign many historic events took place, one of them is the WW II spreading to the state.

He further recalled that Maharaj Bodhachandra was born on July 24, 1908 and died on December 9, 1955 .

He ruled the erstwhile kingdom of Manipur for 14 years under British.

In order to establish a true historical account it is mandatory to examine the past history critically.

History is a source of information and knowledge to the people.

Dr Nimai hoped that the seminar will dig out facts and findings on Maharaj Bodhachandra for the future generation, he said.

Prof Dr M Afrekudar of RIMS was the moderator of the opening technical session of the seminar.

Different resource persons spoke on different topics in the session.

A Tomba spoke on the topic remembering the times of Maharaj Bodhachandra (1949-55).Senior journalist, K Madhumangol dwelt on Manipur during the reign of Maharaj Bodhachandra .

RK Jhaljit and H Bhubon read out papers on " Manipur Politics under His Highness Maharaj Bodhachandra" and "Maharaj Bodhachandra (1949-55) � A Review" respectively.

The seminar will conclude tomorrow.

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