Our Correspondent
Imphal, March 23 (EMN): Manipur observed ‘Shaheed Diwas’ to pay tribute to revolutionaries and martyrs as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav - Celebrating 75 Years of India’s Independence at Maharaja Chandrakirti Auditorium in Imphal on Wednesday.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh along with newly sworn ministers -- Thongam Biswajit, Yumnam Khemchand, Govindas Konthoujam, Nemcha Kipgen and Awangbow Newmai -- were present during the observation.
Speaking at the occasion, Singh expressed the need for thorough research and study on history of the state and added that the Government would make provision to provide financial assistance to writers and researchers, who want to dedicatedly work on collecting historical documents and compile books on Manipuri history.
He also stressed that “knowing our history would help in instilling a sense of brotherhood among different communities of the state”.
He stated that the ministry of Art and Culture, Government of India under the supervision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been putting in efforts to figure out unsung heroes and freedom fighters of the country and honour them during the yearlong celebration to mark 75 years of India’s independence.
Mentioning that the sense of nationalism and respect among people seemed to fade gradually, he maintained that one should show love for the motherland with their work and commitment for the development of the country. He also assured that the state government would always work for development of the state and welfare of its people and would never break their trust.
As a part of the observation, Singh led the other dignitaries in paying floral tribute to portraits of freedom fighters of the state. A play on Rani Gaidinliu by Prospective Repertory Theatre Manipur, screening of AKAM Film and short movie clip on ‘Digital Jyot’ were the main highlights of the day.
It may be mentioned that March 23 is observed every year as Shaheed Diwas to mark the death anniversary of freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar and to pay tributes to all the freedom fighters, who sacrificed their lives for the country.