Ukhrul, January 26: Joining the rest of the nation, the Ukhrul District Administration in Manipur celebrated the 76th Republic Day at Bakshi Ground, Ukhrul.
Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, Kengoo Zuringla (IAS) unfurled the national flag and took the salute. Superintendent of Police of Ukhrul, Karthik Malladi (IPS) gave the general salute and SDPO of Chingai, Chongtham Sarjan Singh (MPS Grade 2) was the parade commander of the day. Around 34 parade contingents participated in the Republic Day parade.
On the occasion of the 76th Republic Day celebration, the Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh also awarded certificates of commendation to Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, Superintendent of Police of Ukhrul and OC of Jessami in recognition of their outstanding contributions in implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Ukhrul District.
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Speaking at the occasion, Kengoo Zuringla stated that “Republic Day is a day to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution for a free India. When it officially came into effect on 26 January 1950, it marked the beginning of India as a sovereign democratic republic. The Constitution celebrates India’s unity, democratic values, and cultural heritage. We owe Dr B.R. Ambedkar, economist, jurist, social reformer and political leader, often referred to as the father of the Indian Constitution, as he was the most well-known of the Constituent Assembly members who drafted the document.
Today, in the capital, from all over the country is a display or 31 illustrations from Indian states, union territories, and central government ministries/departments on the theme “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,” which translates Golden India: Heritage and Development. It highlights the nation’s rich cultural heritage and journey of growth and development. Let us be reminded that with India’s transition from British dominion, we secured the right to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity as the guiding principles of the nation. After India got her independence on 15 August 1947, and thereafter, the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, it established India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
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On this 76th Republic Day, we honour our valiant freedom fighters and leaders. India is well-known for her cultural heritage, and rightly so as it is the birthplace of many cultures. Her rich heritage is evident in the history, culture and architecture that are authentic and unique. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, ‘heritage is something that can be passed from one generation to the next, something that can be conserved or inherited, and something that has historic or cultural value’. Heritage might be understood to be a physical ‘object’: a piece of property, a building or a place that is able to be ‘owned’ and ‘passed on’. Heritage is a term that is also quite often used to describe a set of values, or principles, which relate to the past. That means we can harness them to achieve our social, economic and environmental sustainability goals. There are various practices of heritage that are conserved or handed down from one generation to the next. Language is an important element of our identity, learned and passed on from aduit to child, from generation to generation. Intangible elements of heritage, such as language, culture, songs; and tangible ones such as literature, clothes and buildings are important in helping us understand who we are and where we come from. Dr Francesca Giliberto, conservation architect from the University of Leeds notes that the ‘importance of cultural heritage as an enabler of sustainable development is widely acknowledged.
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The world is now a global community with greater accessibility and mobility, seek entertainment, relaxation and adventure. Exceptional heritage sites are cherished by people all over the world – such as great natural sceneries, caves, waterfalls, craggy mountains are important to human wellbeing. It would be hard to imagine our countries, cities and landscapes without the familiar remnants of our past, a witness to continuity through the passing of time, and the presence of nature, to inspire us with a profound sense of wonder and joy. Such sites can become tourist attractions which could in turn be a source of income as we promote our rich heritage. We must do everything possible to develop these, and do so in a sustainable manner. We must preserve our natural resources and terrestrial biodiversity. Through a variety of goods and services, heritage sites could be protected while at the same time provide economic security to the custodians of the land. Our way of life, language, songs, dances, land use, consumption and production of goods, developed over centuries, practised and passed down through generations are important not only to preserve our culture but for economic development. They Could attract investments in eco-tourism, ensuring green and locally-based, employment. Technological advancements, economic development, and social welfare could be accessible to all, especially those that need it most if we create an environment of inclusivity.
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Different communities could then unlock the potential of our heritage and contribute to sustainable development of three aspects: environmental, social and economic. This can be achieved by fostering peace and security. The rich, unique and distinct heritage that our communities and the district possess have attracted people from all over the world to experience our exotic culinary, colourful and beautiful attire, participate in festivals involving dance and music and explore the natural sceneries. We have a lot to offer in our culture. Preserving and conserving our cultural heritage will definitely help vulnerable and marginalized people to have a sense of dignity and empowerment if we let them participate in our social, economic and sustainability activities. This includes action by the grassroots in scenarios of conflict and post- conflict situations, protecting and restoring cultural heritage recognizing shared values and respect for their unique differences. This is critical to a society’s peaceful development. This year, as our great nation reflects on the values of cultural heritage as part and parcel of development and growth, let us appreciate and promote the rich culture that has shaped, moulded and made us a distinct community with an identity we value and are proud of. Let us work together to bring peace, prosperity, and development through policies and implementing projects that will encourage economic growth. Let us set aside practices that corrodes the very fabric of our society, whether in lifestyle, cultivation or habits. Long may our love and respect for our culture endure. We invoke the name of the living God to bless our land, our state and our district.”
The celebration was attended by ADM of Ukhrul, Kajaigai Gangmei, CEO of ADC Ukhrul, David Kashungnao, SDO of Ukhrul, Dinringam Kamei, DFO of Ukhrul, Gitla Laishram, Additional SP of Ukhrul, Ringthing Hongchui, Executive Engineer of PWD Ukhrul Division, Garnish Kashung, Executive Engineer of PHED Ukhrul, Themreishang Marei, ZEO of Ukhrul, Thamei Badan and all the district level officers.
The program was also attended by Commandant of 18 Assam Rifles, Lieutenant Colonel Manish Kadyan and leaders from Tangkhul CSOs.
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