KOHIMA: As the Swarnim Vijay Mashaal Victory Flame completes its journey through the State of Manipur, a grand ceremony was organized by IGAR (South) under the aegis of Spear Corps at SAI Football Ground, Takyel to bid farewell to the Swarnim Vijay Mashaal on Sunday.
Maharaja Leishamba Sanajaoba, Rajya Sabha MP and Titular King of Manipur, graced the event as the chief guest with other eminent personalities in attendance, which included Khongkham Robindro, Deputy Speaker, Manipur Assembly, Lt Gen K Himalaya Singh (Retd) and senior officers from Army.
The event commenced with a welcome song by the students of ARPS, Mantripukhri, followed by an exciting match of Khong Kangjei (Manipuri Hockey). The famous patriotic song Ae Mere Vatanke logon in the sensational voice of Sunita Nepram filled the stadium with patriotic fervor, prior to screening of messages from prominent personalities, including Chief Minister N Biren Singh, few war veterans of 1971 War, and the sportspersons of the State.
The Swarnim Vijay Mashaal arrived at the venue from Keithalmanbi Garrison with all the grandeur amid the tunes of the pipe bands and was received by the chief guest accompanied by the GOC Spears Corps and IGAR(South).
A well synchronized display of pipe-bands of Assam Rifles on martial tunes added to the charm of the afternoon. The right mix of the colourful cultural heritage and enthusiastic spirit of Manipur was showcased with a string of cultural events including Lai Haraoba, Cheiroi (stick dance), Kabui Naga Dance, Thabi Kakpa and Ta Hippa (a unique martial art form of Manipur), acrobatics and the world famous energetic Dhol Cholom.
To mark the conclusion, the chief guest addressed the gathering and shared the importance of the contribution of Indian jawans in ensuring safety, security and the glory of the nation. It was followed by felicitation of participants of the day's event, stated a press release.
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