The 131st Patriots’ Day 2022 was observed on Saturday, 13th August in Pune at the Auditorium of Symbiosis International University, Viman Nagar. The Patriots’ Day function was organized by Association of Manipuri Diaspora (AMAND), Pune, in association with Symbiosis Ishanya Cultural and Educational Centre (SICEC) in tribute to the martyrs of Manipur who sacrificed their lives defending the sovereignty of their motherland in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. The program was partly funded by the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. More than 300 attendees, including non-Manipuris, attended the function and paid floral tribute to the great martyrs of Manipur. AMAND President, Shri Er. Giridhar Singh Naorem welcomed the gathering and expressed in a solemn tone the loss of the Manipuri brave hearts and their selfless sacrifices.
After the homage to the martyrs, the observation began with a group patriotic song from Mr. Milan Sorokhaibam and party. The theatre play “Mareibak Ningba Koirengsana”, specifically designed for the 131st Patriots’ Day Observation 2022, was premiered by 27 artistes of Manipuri Theatre Academy (MATA) as the main part of the observation.
Shri Sarungbam Beeren Singh, the director of the play, was felicitated with Lengyan (Manipuri scarf), bouquet, memento and was honored by presenting a coconut by President Er. Giridhar Singh Naorem. Former AMAND Presidents Dr. Narendra Huidrom and Shri Pakasana Thounaojam also felicitated the artistes of MATA.
Shri Beeren expressed his happiness in performing the premiere theatre play “Mareibak Ningba Koirengsana” and thanked AMAND for organizing the function. Shri Beeren on behalf of MATA felicitated the seniors of AMAND — Flt Lt. W.J. Singh (Retd.), Major K.Y. Singh (Retd.), W.O. T Pakasana Singh (Retd.), Dr. Narendra Huidrom, Shri Jiten Irom, Shri Kulabidhu Chanam, and Er. Giridhar Singh Naorem — as a token of their love and gratitude.
Every one present in the gathering cherished the excellent theatre play “Mareibak Ningba Koirengsana” and appreciated the performance of all the 27 artistes of MATA with a standing ovation when the play ended.
The observation of 131st Patriots’ Day 2022 in Pune was conducted smoothly by Ms. Anju Arambam as Master of Ceremony of the function. The program was concluded with a vote of thanks and profound appreciation by Shri Kulabidhu Chanam, Vice President, AMAND to all the generous donors, attendees, invitees, and MATA team who have made the program a grand success.
About the 13th August Observation:The Patriots’ Day is observed every 13th August as a state function in Manipur to honour and pay tribute to the martyrs of Manipur who sacrificed their lives defending the sovereignty of their motherland in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. This war had challenged the then British Supremacy and is believed to be the initiation of the downfall of the British Empire.
The British Government had declared war on Manipur on 31st March of 1891 after five high ranked military British officials were beheaded by the Manipuri soldiers in retaliation to the subversion of Manipur’s sovereignty. On 27th April 1891, the war ended with the victory of the British, and Manipur came under the British rule. As a punishment, 22 Manipuri soldiers, including Maharaja Kulachandra, were exiled to Andaman Islands. On 13th August 1891, Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General
(the main freedom fighters) were hanged till death and kept hung for an hour in front of the public at Feidabung (Polo Ground) in Imphal.
On this day of 13th August, in honour of the martyrs of Manipur who will always be remembered in the hearts of every Manipuri for generations to come, Patriots’ Day is observed as a state function.