116th Birth Anniversary of Hijam Irabot celebrated

The main features of the birth anniversary function held at different parts of the State were offering of floral tributes, march past parades and recollection of Irabot’s sacrifices and exploits.

Irabot was born to Hijam Ibohal and Hijam (O) Thambalngambi at Pishum Oinam Leikai on September 30, 1896. He went underground on September 21, 1948 and he breathed his last on September 26, 1951.

Irabot’s birth anniversary function held at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound was organised by the Irabot Celebration Committee Manipur.

The function featured march past parades by students, Nupi Marups and different civil organisations.

The function was graced by Irabot Celebration Committee Manipur president N Parijat, CPI Manipur State Council secretariat member N Mangi and All Manipur Nupi Marup president S Sorojini as presidium members.

Manipur State Minorities Commission Chairperson Helim Choudhury and Prof Gangmumei Kamei were special guests of the function.

Addressing the function, N Mangi said that led a students movement at Johnstone School against corporal punishment of students when a teacher slapped a student.

Irabot stood and fought for the underprivileged, downtrodden people and women.

Parijat hailed Irabot as a saviour of Manipur. Had there been no Irabot, there would no Manipur today, he said.

It was Irabot who strongly opposed the proposal to form a new State called Purvanchal Pradesh by merging together Tripura, Manipur, Cachar district and Mizoram in 1948.

Pointing out that Manipur was an independent kingdom which had its own culture, language and political boundary, Irabot led by stiff resistance movement against the idea of forming Purvanchal Pradesh.

A group of peasants who came out to attend a public meeting at MDU Hall on September 21, 1948 were blocked at Lamlai by police.

On the same day, the Government declared a reward of Rs 10,000 to any one who can provide leading to the arrest of Irabot. Following the declaration, Irabot went underground.

Helim Choudhury said that Irabot opposed segregation of the mass on the basis of religion. To Irabot, all men were equal.

On the occasion of the Irabot birth anniversary, Hijam Irabot Award which would be conferred every year starting from this year was given to renowned theatre personality Ratan Thiyam.

The award included a cash incentive of Rs 20,000, a citation and a shawl.

He said that all the people should acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions of Hijam Irabot to the society.

Later, as a part of the function, the Thiyam Meghachandra Award was given to Imphal Free Press Editor Pradip Phanjoubam.

In connection with the 116th birth anniversary of Hijam Irabot, students, staff and executive members of Manipur Hindi Parishad, Imphal carried out a social service (cleanliness) campaign inside their campus today.

The birth anniversary was also observed at Jiribam Babupara under the aegis of Jananeta Irabot Memorial Trust (JIMET).

The function was graced by MLA Joykishan, JIMET president O Mangi, Addl SP Jiribam O Menjor and JIMET ex-president Ch Kamal as presidium members.

The main feature of the function was offering of floral tributes to the statue of Irabot. It also featured cultural programmes presented by five different cultural troupes.

JIMET’s annual souvenir as well as two books–– Cha Cup Ani and Manglangi Phura Ani authored respectively by Khuman Poramthiba and Haorambam Kundalal of Fulertal, Cachar Leirak were also released on the occasion.

Jiri College Principal Dr N Bijaya Devi and ex-joint secretary of Hijam Irabot Statue Construction Committee Arunkumar Mangang spoke as resource persons at the gathering.

Later, Man of the Year 2012 Award was conferred to Home Guard commandant Yurembam Asokkumar of Jiribam Sorok Atingbi.