Imphal East, August 9: The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples was observed on Saturday at Brighter Public English School, Andro Mamang Leikai, with the launch of Hidak Kanaraba Pambishing: A Treatise of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants by Prof. H. Birkumar Singh. The event was organised by the Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur.
The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Puthem Jugeshor Singh, Assistant Professor at Khongnangthaba University. Delivering the keynote address, AIMS Director Dr. Atom Sunil Singh spoke on the significance of the day in the context of the current situation in Manipur and the importance of preserving traditional knowledge.
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Prof. Birkumar Singh, Chief Scientist at CSIR–North East Institute of Science & Technology, Lamphelpat, expressed happiness at launching his book, the result of decades of documentation and verification of medicinal and aromatic plants. He said the book would serve as a link between generations at a time when traditional knowledge is under threat.
Speakers included Dr. Kh. Somendro Singh, former Director of ICMR, Guwahati; Prof. Haobijam Vokendro Singh, Department of Anthropology, Manipur University; cultural activist Puthem Ongbi Memcha; Maisnam Chanu Liklainu, Deputy Finance Officer, National Sports University; Dr. S. Manikanta Singh, retired Additional Director, Health Services, Manipur; Mr. Jinine Laishramcha, Faculty, University of Suwon, South Korea; Mr. Asheibam Bele Singh, M.Sc. Organic Agriculture, Wageningen University; and Chingakham Khulachandra, Principal, Brighter Public School, Andro.
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The discussions covered the role of personality models in enabling indigenous communities, the importance of cultural survival alongside biological survival, the rituals of the Andro Chakpa group, the connection between indigenous identity and sports, integration of safe traditional medicine into primary healthcare, lessons from other indigenous cultures, and the interrelation of organic agriculture with traditional cultivation.
Former Minister Shri Moirangthem Hemanta Singh noted that policies often neglect indigenous concerns and called for recognition of their role in Manipur’s future. AIMS President Mr. Mayanglambam Khelendro Singh outlined the organisation’s role in cultural and environmental conservation, while Director Mr. N. Ratan Meetei expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, and volunteers.