Ukhrul: Minster Govindas Konthoujam calls for emotional binding among the indigenous people of Manipur. He stated this at the inaugural programme of the Xth edition of Tangkhul Naga Zingtun Longphang (TNZL) Sports cum Cultural Festival under the theme “Embracing Change” which kickstarted on Tuesday at Pharung Village and will wind up on 23 January 2024.
The inaugural programme was attended by Govindas Konthoujam, Minister Public Works Department, Youth Affairs and Sports, Manipur as Chief Guest. Kengoo Zuringla (IAS), Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul and M. Asnikumar Singh, Chairman Loktak Development Authority, were the guests of honour.
Minister Govindas Konthoujam hoisted the flag and unveiled the monolith and dedicated the playground of Pharung village. Speaking at the occasion, Minister Govindas Konthoujam called for the emotional binding among the indigenous people of Manipur. “Change is the constant journey of growth. We need change. If there is no change, there will be no growth in the nation, state, town or village. We need to embrace change,” said Minister Govindas Konthoujam.
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He appealed the gathering to extend support in the forth coming Member of Parliament election and put Narendra Modi led Government in the Centre for the third time, as he announced to upgrade the existing lone primary school of Pharung village to Junior High School under School Fagathansi Mission.
Kengoo Zuringla said, “with the change in our environment, we have witnessed positive and negative impacts. We seem to have lost respect that we used to give to our elders and fellow beings. We have witnessed positive changes in terms of development and infrastructure.”
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Speaking also at the occasion, Asnikumar Singh said, “there are many mportant and significant bond between the Tangkhul Nagas and Meiteis since time immemorial. During the Meitei calendar of Purnimas, we erect bamboo pole in every houses lighted with a lantern or lamp signalling our brothers in the hills that we are still there. We have so many in common. Let us respect and love each other.” He also cited the importance of the presence of Tangkhul during Meira Houjongba and other festivals observed by Meiteis.
The 8-day long celebration will include competition items like Zingtun’s Got Talent, Football, Volleyball (men’s and women’s), Women Soccer, Quiz, Youth Parliament, Lungchan Laa, Tug of War, Cultural Display and Country Race (men’s and women’s). A total of 19 units comprising of 1500 delegates are participating at the ongoing sports cum cultural meet.
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M. Rameshwor Singh, Hon’ble MLA, J. Kumo Sha, Hon’ble MLA, Kh. Ibomcha, Hon’ble MLA (Chairman, MHHDC Limited), Th. Arunkumar, Hon’ble MLA, Th. Shanti Singh, Hon’ble MLA, Premchandra Singh, Hon’ble MLA, Phullen Meitei, Commissioner YAS, Ningshem Vashum (IPS) SP of Ukhrul, Mark Luithing, Care Taker Chairman ADC-Ukhrul, Madam Soso Shaiza, A. Rohini Lumar, SDO LM Block and other dignitaries were present during the opening ceremony.
Haofa – the indigenous canine breed of Tangkhul community was presented to the Chief Guest by the Organising Committee of TNZL.