Ideals of Irabot extolled on his Birth Anniversary
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 30 2012: Along with paying befitting tributes, the 116th Birth Anniversary of Hijam Irabot was observed in different parts of the state and abroad today.

The main observance function was held under the aegis of Irabot Celebration Committee at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen here today.

The observance was marked by offering of floral tributes and march-past salutes to the life size photograph of Hijam Irabot.

Altogether 40 contingents from various schools, colleges and local organizations participated in the march past competition which was started from CC Higher Secondary School and gave salute to the photo of Hijam Irabot.

The function was graced by veteran CPI leader M Ibohal; former Minister Ph Parijat; ex-MLA N Mangi; S Sorojini, President of Nupi Marup; Prof Gangmumei Kamei; Helim Choudhuri, retired IAS and Padmashree Ratan Thiyam as presidium members.

Addressing the gathering, Ph Parijat, who is also the President of Irabot Celebration Committee, said that Hijam Irabot was a true leader of the masses.

He fought against the administrative system of the then Manipur where the rich became richer and the poor become poorer, wherein the farmers were not allowed to take hold of their own land and for the emancipation of women.

It is all because of his selfless sacrifices made for Manipur that the state today stands with its territorial boundary intact.

Irabot Celebration Committee at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen

Today, Manipur has been crushed down by self motivated individuals.

The state has been buried neck-deep in corruption.

The socio-political scenario of the state has become totally contradictory to what Hijam Irabot had dreamt of.

We need to follow the footsteps of Hijam Irabot and make his dream realized.

Padmashree Ratan Thiyam noted that the gap between the rich and the poor has widened day by day and it is time for the people of Manipur to remember Hijam Irabot sincerely.

Though we all know that there are a lot of faults in the present system, no one dares to point it out and agitate against it.

Nonetheless, such weaknesses are being made known to the public as well as the leaders through different art forms of the state.

On the occasion, Thiyam Meghachandra Journalist Award was presented to Pradip Phanjaobam, Editor of Imphal Free Press.

The first Hijam Irabot Award was also conferred to Padmashree Ratan Thiyam at the function.

The 116th Birth Anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot was also organised by Hijam Irabot Memorial Charitable Trust at Pishumthong Oinam Leikai with Works Minister Dr Kh Ratan as Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Kh Ratan observed that goodness would prevail in the society if all the people follow the principles of Irabot and carry out their duties efficiently.

There is the need to remember the sacrificial works done by Hijam Irabot at a time when Manipur was experiencing the worst type of administration ever.

Presided over by MP Dr Th Meinya, the function was also attended by Ng Nongyai, former member of Manipur Human Rights Commission and ex-Minister L Jayantakumar as Guests of Honour.

Winners of the March Past competition and other events including drama, dance and Thang-ta competition were awarded on the occasion.

The birth anniversary of Irabot was also observed under the auspices of Lamyanba Irabot Ningshing Thouram Observation Committee at Khurai Laikhurembi Shanglen today.

The function was graced by Dr Priyadarshini, Lecturer, Damdei College, Motbung; Prof W Nandakumar, Dean, School of Human and Environmental Sciences, Manipur University and M Gangte as presidium members.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof W Nandakumar said that Hijam Irabot was a leader of Manipur who sacrificed his life to bring about the much needed change in the state.

The equality of all was what Irabot had always dreamt of and fought for.

Padmashree Ratan Thiyam (left) being conferred the First Hijam Irabot Award

However, in complete contrast to his dreams and aspirations, the situation in Manipur today has become worst with the people suffering like hell.

Laishram Shyamkumar, Convener, Lamyanba Irabot Ningshing Thouram Observation Committee delivered the key note address of the function which was attended by leaders of various women organizations and other CSOs.

Meanwhile, Nongpok Imphal Loumi Sinmi Lup observed Irabot Day at Sangeet Kala Sangam at Khurai Lamlong.

The function was graced by H Ibehanbi, President of Nongpok Imphal Loumi Sinmi Lup; Dr N Iboton, Dean, CAU and M Tomba, President of Apunba Manipur Loumi Sinmi Lup as presidium members.

The 116th birth anniversary of Irabot was also observed by Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Kendra Clubs Co-ordinating Committee at Konjeng leikai Kouna Thabi Community hall today.

At the Library complex of Manipur University, floral tributes were paid to the statue of Irabot on his 116th birth anniversary.

President of All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO) KT Rahaman , Chief Liberian Th Khomdon Singh and Ex-President of Manipur University Students; Union Ksh Narayan Singh led the students in offering tributes to Irabot.

At Jiribam, the 116th birth anniversary of Irabot was observed under the aegis of Jana Neta Irawat Memorial Trust (JIMET) along with offering floral tributes to the statue of Irabot installed at Babupara.

MLA Kh.Joykishan Singh, President of Jana Neta Irawat Memorial Trust (JIMET) O.Mangi Meetei, Addl SP Jiribam O.Menjor Singh and Ex-President of JIMET Ch.Kamal Singh attended the observance as chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.

March past competition and cultural programmes were other highlights of the observance.

All Thoubal District United Clubs Organisation (ATDUCO ) and All Kakching Khunou United Clubs' Organisation ( AKKUCO ) jointly observed 116th birth anniversary of Hijam Irabot at Popular Cinema Hall, Kakching Khunou today.

The function was attended by Kh.Shyam Singh, President of All Kakching Khunou United Clubs Organisation; Kh.Tejmani Singh,Retired Teacher ofKakching Khunou High School, Advisors of All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO ) Likmabam Tompok Singh and R.Yangsosong Koireng as Presidium members.

Prizes of the competitions held earlier in connection with the observance were distributed at the occasion.

Shillong Manipuri Students' Union also observed the 116th Lamyanba Hijam Irabot Remembrance Day at Manipur House (Rasbari), Laitumkhrah, Shillong.

On the occasion, students and executive members of SMSU paid floral tribute to a photograph of Irabot.

Irabot Foundation Manipur observed '116th Birth Anniversary' at Standard Robert Higher Secondary High School, Chanchipur.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr.S Dhanabir Singh, Social Scientist, observed that Irabot worked for the empowerment of Manipuri women and took a major role in the second Nupilal.

Apart from that, he sacrificed his official post for the sake of the people of Manipur.

As part of the celebration, Manipur Cycle Club conferred 'Man with Cycle' title to Th Iboyaima, President, Irabot Foundation, Manipur.

Prof.Ksh Bimola; Asst.

Prof.Ch Jamini; Ph Landhoni, Principal Standard Robert Hr.

Sec.

School; Th Iboyaima, President, Irabot Foundation Manipur; K T Rakham, President, AMUCO; L Memchoubi, President, PLAMP attended the function as presidium members.

Patriotic Writers' Forum (PAWF), Manipur has also observed the 116th Birth Anniversary of Hijam Irabot at its New Chekon office today.

Sagolsem Indrakumar, President, PAWF presided over the function.

Celebrating the 116th Birth Anniversary of Hijam Irabot, Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) and Apunba Meira Paibi Lup jointly conducted a social service programme at Singjamei Bazaar.

Around 70 volunteers participated at the social service programme.