AGARTALA: Against the backdrop of a deeply fractured homeland, Manipur MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha Singh delivered a powerful call for solidarity in Agartala on Sunday, inaugurating Tripura’s first-ever Manipuri Annual Award Ceremony at the Sukanta Academy Hall to felicitate indigenous talent and cultural resilience.
Organised jointly by the Takhellei Tengbang Lup and the Manipuri Literary and Cultural Forum (MLCF), Tripura, the event marked a historic first for the state. According to the organisers, the programme was designed to recognise the academic achievements of talented Manipuri students across Tripura while expanding a two-year-old scholarship initiative to support deserving youths from financially weaker families.
Also read | ‘Nobody Can Fragment Manipur If We Stand As One’: MLA Ibomcha Urges Diaspora Solidarity in Tripura
Attending as the chief guest, Singh used the platform to address the urgent need for cultural preservation among the diaspora. “If we are to exist as a community, it is absolutely essential to preserve our culture, our literature, our script, and our religion. These are the things that will identify who we truly are,” he stated.
He praised the relentless efforts of the diaspora communities. “Despite living as a minority in various parts of Assam and other places, and despite our small population and the numerous challenges faced, people are trying incredibly hard not to let our culture and literature die out. I feel an indescribable joy and happiness about this,” he added.
The lawmaker also drew sharp attention to the ongoing geopolitical crisis in Manipur. He urged the community to prioritize the survival of the state over internal political and ideological divisions. “We can always argue about who is right, who is wrong, what satisfies us, and what dissatisfies us. But today, we cannot predict what will happen to our homeland,” Singh warned.
He further emphasized, “If we leave aside all our personal likes, dislikes, and dissatisfactions, and stand as one, I strongly believe that nobody can fragment Manipur, and we can withstand any external forces trying to oppress the citizens of Manipur.”
Also read | Manipur’s Mirabai Wins India’s First Gold, Rishikanta Takes Silver at Glasgow CWG
Moving beyond appeals for unity, the MLA provided tangible financial support to the organisers by donating Rs 1 lakh to help cover the management and arrangement expenses of the cultural fest. “From my side, to assist with the arrangements being made today, I will contribute 1 Lakh Rupees,” he stated during the event.
Furthermore, he addressed the long-standing infrastructural needs of the Meitei community in Tripura. “The Tripura government has sanctioned around Rs 70,000 to build a Guest House for Meiteis here in Tripura, so that people from various villages can come, stay, study, and organize collective activities,” Singh noted. “I assure you that I will exert pressure from my end to get this implemented quickly, and I will definitely help as much as I can.”
The historic gathering was chaired by Khoisnam Ongbi Birola, a member of the Manipuri Board at the Sahitya Akademi in New Delhi. Dr. Munish Ningthoujam, Regional Director of ICCR North-East, Government of India, attended as the Special Guest. Guests of Honour included L. Birmangal Singha, President of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Tripura, Ningombam Bira Singha, President of MLCF, Tripura, and Chongtham Ongbi Subadani, President of Leikol, Imphal. Reportedly, a major focus of the day was the induction of student Sijagurumayum Uditi Sharma into the ongoing scholarship programme to help her continue her Classes XI and XII education.
Meanwhile, organisers presented several prestigious accolades to prominent figures. The posthumous Takhel Ratna Award was bestowed upon late R.K. Kamaljit Singha, former MLA and founder of the Marup newspaper. Khangrakpam Ongbi Bijaylaxmi Singha received the MLCF Lifetime Achievement Award. Other distinguished honourees included Dr. R.K. Musuksana Devi with the Babure Taramani Award, Rajkumar Bhramarjit Singha with the Pukhrabam Ibeyaima Devi Memorial Award, Khumanthem Anima Singha with the Khoisnam Bangabir Memorial Young Talent Award, and Dr. Vishal Sinha with the Youth Excellence Award.
Must Read | As Rains Descend, Assam Flood Situation Improves
Moreover, top students from the region were proudly felicitated for their academic brilliance. Ksh. Nayanita Singha and N. Sneha Datta received the Achoubi Devi Award for Higher Secondary students. The Academic Laureate Award was handed to Takhellambam Aneek Datta and Kshetrimayum Neebha Devi, while Tonjam Nilam Singha took home the Academic Excellence Award. Khoisnam Mamata Singha, Debajit Singha, and N. Debasmita Singha were honoured with the Khoisnam Bangabir Memorial Academic Award.
The ceremony concluded with a vibrant Manipuri Cultural Fest, featuring traditional performances by several local artists.
