Tripura celebrates 35th state-level Manipuri Language Day

A CORRESPONDENT

Agartala: The 35th State-level Manipuri Language Day was celebrated at Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Town Hall, Agartala. Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy inaugurated the event, emphasizing that while the government can recognize and protect a language, it is ultimately the people who keep it alive by speaking, writing, and passing it on to future generations.

The programme was organized by the Directorate of Kokborok and Other Minority Languages, Government of Tripura. Khuraijam Loken Singh, Minister of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur, attended as Guest of Honour, along with Paonam Gunindro, Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University of Culture.

Minister Roy recalled the efforts and sacrifices of Manipuri speakers, writers, and activists that led to the language's constitutional recognition. He also highlighted the significance of the Meitei script and the contribution of Manipuri writers to Tripura's cultural life. Anandahari Jamatia, Director of the Department of Kokborok and Other Minority Languages, presided over the event, while Th. Nilkumar, Vice-Chairman of the Manipuri Language Development Advisory Committee, delivered the welcome address.

A vibrant procession featuring Manipuri communities in traditional attire showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Manipuri community in Tripura.

Manipuri was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution on August 20, 1992, through the 71st Constitutional Amendment. This historic milestone is commemorated annually as Manipuri Language Day in Manipur and other regions with Manipuri-speaking communities.

During this year's celebration, four eminent personalities were honored for their contributions: Salam Brajendra Singh (Nata Sankirtana), Selaibam Jiban Sen (Manipuri folk music), Shamulailatpam Ongbi Suradhani Sharma (Manipuri writing), and Gurumayum Nitai Sharma (Manipuri language teaching). The event concluded with a cultural programme featuring traditional Manipuri performances.

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