Cheirao Ching – photos by Tiken Thokchom

Cheirao Ching – photos by Tiken Thokchom Check out more photos at: http://gallery.kanglaonline.com/?p=1149 Photos by… more »

Cheirao Ching – photos by Tiken Thokchom

Check out more photos at: http://gallery.kanglaonline.com/?p=1149

Cheirao Ching – photos by Tiken Thokchom

Photos by Tiken Thokchom
evan_ken (at) yahoo.co.in

March 27, 2012

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/cheirao-ching-photos-by-tiken-thokchom/

Xploring Andro – photos by Tiken Thokchom

Xploring Andro – photos by Tiken Thokchom See more photos at: http://gallery.kanglaonline.com/?p=1136 Photos by Tiken… more »

Xploring Andro – photos by Tiken Thokchom

See more photos at: http://gallery.kanglaonline.com/?p=1136

Photos by Tiken Thokchom
evan_ken (at) yahoo.co.in

March 20, 2012

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/xploring-andro-photos-by-tiken-thokchom/

Yaoshang Sports Meet 2012 Photos

Yaoshang Sports Meet 2012 Photos Check out more photos at: http://gallery.kanglaonline.com/?p=1132 Photos by Tiken Thokchom… more »

Yaoshang Sports Meet 2012 Photos

Check out more photos at: http://gallery.kanglaonline.com/?p=1132

Yaoshang Sports Meet 2012 Photos – by Tiken Thokchom

Photos by Tiken Thokchom
evan_ken (at) yahoo.co.in

March 13, 2012

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/yaoshang-sports-meet-2012-photos/

Coming to Manipur- FireHouse Rock to Rescue India Tour 2012 – April 10, 2012 at Imphal

Coming to Manipur- FireHouse Rock to Rescue India Tour 2012 The Ultimate Rock and Roll Experience is… more »

Coming to Manipur- FireHouse Rock to Rescue India Tour 2012

The Ultimate Rock and Roll Experience is headed straight to you!!! International Rock band FIREHOUSE is slated to perform live at Imphal on April 10, 2012. The “FireHouse Rock to rescue India tour 2012” is organized by 7 Sisters Entertainment (Sky Group venture), in association with Queensberry Foundation.  The event will be held at Hapta Kangjeibung, Imphal.

Coming to Manipur- FireHouse Rock to Rescue India Tour 2012 – April 10, 2012 at Imphal

The band is slated to perform at Dimapur on April 7 at DDSC stadium, after which it will head straight to rock capital-Imphal.  With the tour dates finally announced, fans can get ready to witness a slice of rock music history.

FireHouse has been rockin’ for over a decade. Their music has taken them all over the world and has produced Gold, Platinum, and Multi-Platinum records in the United States and Countries abroad. In 1990, their first album, entitled ‘FireHouse’ was released. The bands first single, Shake and Tumble, had impressive radio success. The band then released Don’t Treat Me Bad, which became their first Top Ten hit. This was followed by Love of a Lifetime, which also entered the Top Ten reaching the #3 spot on the United State charts. The band’s second album, Hold Your Fire, was released in 1992. It produced the hits Reach for the Sky and Sleeping with You. Another Top Ten hit, When I Look into Your Eyes, peaked on the US charts at #5. This album earned the band two more gold albums and over 1 million sales worldwide. In 1995, FireHouse released their third album on Epic, simply titled 3.
Once again, FireHouse produced another Top Forty hit in the US with I Live My Life for You. It was with this album, FireHouse made their first trip to Southeast Asia for a promotional tour. Their fourth album, Good Acoustics, was released in 1996 ad quickly went Gold in Malaysia, Thailand, and Philippines. Good Acoustics contains unplugged versions of the group’s greatest hits, as well as four new songs. This album produced foreign hits such as In Your Perfect World, Love Don’t Care, and You Are My Religion. Category 5 was officially released in the United States in 1999. On April 22, 1999, the band recorded their live show in Osaka. The result – the first ever live album by FireHouse. Bring ‘em Out Live was released in Japan in December 1999 and in the United States on Spitfire Records in July 2000. The turn of the century brought the release their seventh album, titled 02. This album had notable success despite the changing style of popular rock music.

As music changes over time, Firehouse continues to evolve their musical style; yet, at the same time. Hang onto their hard rock roots. Released in October of 2003, album number 8 is no exception. You can expect to hear what Firehouse is famous for… soulful, melodic hard rock.

About 7 Sisters Entertainment: Based in New Delhi, “7 Sisters Entertainment” is an event and artist management company formerly known as Haolaa Records formed in January 2007 with an intention to promote talented local bands and artist especially from North-East India, based in New Delhi under SKY GROUP, Dimapur. Over the years, these dedicated, and talented young professionals have been delighting audiences with pub gigs, open air concerts, music festivals and client events. Not content with only these, the group also wants the region to witness the best of music and brings straight to the people legends from the music world.
“7 Sisters Entertainment” manage and produce quality events and music, while believing in mutual trust, professionalism, dedication and commitment to give the best.

 

Sky Group is a mix of musicians, entrepreneurs and professionals coming together under one banner. Blending music with a greater cause, the people behind the event also has in mind to create a difference through this venture. “Beyond the limits of entertainment…” is a common vision for the people working under the Sky Group. Having worked in Fortune 500 companies for the most part of their careers, these dedicated youths feel it is the right time to give back to their society. And especially to the section of society which is in need.

A portion of the event proceeds will be donated to create awareness on Children with Special Needs (CWSN). Having felt the need to show love and care towards the senior citizens, Sky Group also wishes to extend their help towards Old Age Home. Feeling the need of an acute lack of aids to Children with Special Needs, Sky Group through this musical endeavor will try to create awareness on the plight of CWSN. Also, having heard about the financial constraints faced at Old Age Homes, Sky Group has also expressed concerns over the welfare of its residents. With an intention to highlight the fact that elderly folks of our society should be given the privilege to live the last days of their lives with dignity, Sky Group is working to reach out to the underprivileged senior citizens.

Authorized ticket vendors for Imphal are Nokia Show Room, while in Dimapur; tickets will be sold at Queensberry Foundation, Crescendo and Furtados. Limited tickets will be printed.

SCHEDULE:

Dimapur: 7April, DDSC Stadium
Imphal: 10 April,   Hapta Kangjeibung

 

March 11, 2012

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/coming-to-manipur-firehouse-rock-to-rescue-india-tour-2012-april-10-2012-at-imphal/

Th Lokeshwar elected New Speaker

IMPHAL March 19: Former Deputy Speaker Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh was unanimously elected as the new… more »

Governor Gurbachan Jagat addressing the first session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly with speaker Th Lokeshwar Singh in the chair (photo IFP).

IMPHAL March 19: Former Deputy Speaker Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh was unanimously elected as the new Speaker of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly today morning. Lokeshwar Singh was the only candidate who filed nomination papers for the post of speaker.

After election Speaker Lokeshwar was escorted to his chair by the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and leader of the second largest party Trinamool Congress Dr I Ibohalbi Singh.

The 44 year old holds the record for being the youngest speaker of the house, and he is the 13th Speaker. A second term MLA, Lokeshwar represents the Khundrakpam constituency in Imphal East District.

Thanking members of the assembly, Speaker Th Lokeshwar expressed gratitude to the ruling and opposition bench for unanimously electing him to the prestigious post. He promised to uphold the dignity and decorum of the House and to honour both opposition and ruling without any partiality.

“I will respect the sentiments and aspirations of all the ethnic communities while important issues of the state are being discussed in the House.”

He added, he will heed the advice of senior leaders and parliamentarians.

The Speaker was later felicitated by eight congress MLAs including the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi,K Meghachandra, Ak Mirabai Devi, Kh Ratankumar, Ng Bijoy, Abdul Nasir and T Mangibabu.

Newly elected MLAs of MSCP, K Thamarjit and P Brojen, MLA L Ibomcha of NCP and  K Shyam of Lok Jana Sakhti Party also congratulated the newly elected speaker on behalf of their respective political parties.

Th Lokeshwar is a resident of Sagolmang Mamang Leikai, Imphal East and was born on April 13,1967. He is married to Th Nivedita and has a son.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/th-lokeshwar-elected-new-speaker/

ROCK MUSIC MANIPUR Vol.1 Released: A compilation album, the first of its kind, featuring 25 bands of Manipur cutting across multiple genres

Rock Music Manipur Vol. 1, a compilation album of original music featuring 25 bands and… more »

ROCK MUSIC MANIPUR Vol.1 Released

Rock Music Manipur Vol. 1, a compilation album of original music featuring 25 bands and individual artists, was released on the 9th of March, 2012. The compilation also includes 2 bonus tracks from Manipur’s renowned bands: Post Mark and Phynyx.

Check out more photos of the event at: http://gallery.kanglaonline.com/?p=1112

The compilation was an initiative taken by the Rock Music Manipur (RMM), a community of rock musicians and enthusiasts from the state, as well as from outside the state. This community compiled a total of 37 tracks, belonging to multiple genres, into a one-of-the-first kind of album. This event is also a first of its kind in the musical history of the age old tradition and culture of Manipur.

Quite a number of Manipuri rock bands have written original songs, some of them released their songs and albums via internet and as CDs or Cassettes. These are usually known in private circulation while many are unaware about the songs and the musicians who created them. The idea behind RMM Vol. 1 is to make the musicians and their songs reach a wider audience, from grass root level.

Speech by Guru Rewben

Many songs in this compilation reflect life in general and more particularly various situations in Manipur – be it law and order or moral values. These musicians have transformed their commentary about the society and its dweller has kept us conscious of the socio-economic and political issues of the state through their lyrics.

With artist from Maram, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Imphal and Bishnupur in Manipur to Bangalore and Delhi based Manipuri bands, this compilation album hope to carve a common platform to share and act as a social force of consciousness and change.

RMM plans for an immediate distribution of the compilation to various Yaoshang sports venues in different leikais (localities) in Manipur. Copies will be sent to different clubs in all the districts of Manipur. Soon the CDs will also be available for sale at various musical and related events. Money raised from the sales of the record will be evenly shared among all the participating bands/ artists.

The release session took place with a formal gathering of the musicians at Young Pioneer Organization (YPO), Yaiskul. YPO, was the first club where the distribution of the CD was also inaugurated.

Some of the names who were present in the event include Guru Rewben Mashangva, Ingocha Thingom, Paras Nongmaithem, Boycha Konjengbam, Vivek Sharma and Bobby Nameirakpam.

The event started with a brief speech from Guru Rewben Mashangva who said, “It’s hard to compose, record and release an album. It also takes lots of money to record an album. I thank RMM and the music lovers for making this compilation a reality.”

Guitarist Vivek Sharma of Phoenix/ Phynyx also spoke in the gathering, he said “To record a song is a time consuming and needs lot of money and musicians can’t afford to do it often. This compilation by RMM group is a big step. Phynyx’s ‘Woman’ was also included in Great Indian Rock Vol 2. In the next compilation of RMM, we can select songs from various entries by bands, and compile, so that all the bands work harder to compose better, original songs.

The day witnessed one of the largest congregations of musicians on the same stage from different musical backgrounds. It was a gathering of bands/ artists for a cause to promote original music borne and nurtured from the soils and spirit of Manipur.

The event had presence of members from Kradle O’ Beats, Scribble Link Purgatory, Chem Weed FM, Cleave, Deeparaj Oinam, Uttam Haobam,  Fringes, Dead Mobster, Wild Flower, White Fire, Yuthak Wah, Sandrembee, etc. who stood on the stage as one and released the compilation album – RMM Vol 1. After the release ceremony at YPO Yaiskul, members of RMM along with the band members distributed the CDs to various leikai clubs in Yaiskul, Singjamei, Keishamthong and Kwakeithel.

Later in the evening, the volunteers of the event which comprised of almost all the rock bands and music lovers/supporters sat down for an evening tea and shared their own technical knowledge and experiences together, to a better step forward.

In the days that followed (10th and 11th of March 2012), the compilation CDs were distributed to Nongmeibung, Nambol, Oinam, Wangkhei, Kongba, Okram Chuthek, Soibam Leikai, Tera and Langol as well. It was a true show of unity by the participating artists and RMM. Members of the RMM group have travelled the whole journey – from the idea incubation to an initiative that touched the nerves of the people of Manipur. The RMM firmly believes that the universal tune of music and songs from the compilation will surely bring various communities of the state closer with love, hope and respect.

Imphal
12th March 2012

Quotes:

“I think it’s a path breaking moment for musicians from across genres in Manipur to come together in a collective venture. Despite everything that ails Manipur, we are moving we are moving ahead, we will move ahead.”
– Sanjeev Thingnam, guitarist of Fringes, an Imphal based band
“The production of this compilation is a kaleidoscope view to the various genres of music in Manipur. It’s a very thoughtful initiative taken up by RMM guys; this would also promote and boost many bands to come up with originals.”
– Stephen Kahmei, guitarist of Redolent , a Tamenglong based band.
“I have been thinking for the last few years that our musicians need more exposure. This compilation will give the new artists a common platform to expose their talent and creativity.”
– Kahaopou Riamei, one of the enthusiastic fans.
“People out here in Imphal don’t have access to internet like people in other parts of India, due to the power crisis. The production qualities of our songs have often been criticised. Studio engineers and musicians ourselves will get a chance to compare this compilation album with other compilation album like GIR and see the differences. We’re far behind in terms of production quality of the songs. Time to wake up and rise, and hopefully, may our production quality rise to the international level in the near future. Thank you RMM teams at Imphal and Bangalore for making this compilation album a reality.”
– Eroz Laishram, vocalist of Sandrembee, an Imphal based band.
“I feel good to mingle with the different band members who are in this compilation; it’s a great to see all the bands supporting each other. With this compilation album, I am confident that Manipuri bands will have a bigger audience.”
– Potshangbam Ithoiba Meetei, band manager of Cleave, an Imphal based band.
“We need good recording studios in Manipur. The sound system in Manipur hasn’t improved much; it’s the same sound system we have seen in 1990′s during our heydays. Equipments like guitars, gadgets are okay now. We need more sponsors/ organisers and more original tracks.”
– Selin Takhellambam, founder member of pioneer extreme metal band Black Insurgent, from mid 1990’s
“We can’t deny – ‘Music runs in our blood’. For the country, metal genre was started in the year 1989 from Manipur.  This is one of the initiatives where everyone stays on the same page to draw Manipur map in the world of music.”
– Denny Konjengbam, band manager of Dead Mobster, an Imphal based band.

“There is lack of technical support for musicians in Manipur, besides Manipur is socio-politically disturbed. Inspite of that, to have a compilation album like this coming up is a new chapter in the history of rock music in Manipur. It has fulfilled the dreams of young musician like me.”
– Solo Guitarist Deeparaj Oinam, 21 yrs old, who recently did his first studio recording in Imphal
“I went out to distribute the CDs to various Leikais, with a hope to change the mindset of the people, but I came back a changed person, after hearing a few songs from the compilation album.”
– Manoranjan Hobam, one of the volunteers of RMM
Video links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwuTs4etpfI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMT6Xd0sr8Q (ISTV news clip of the album release event, 9th March, watch from 1.59 mins)

Track listing of ROCK MUSIC MANIPUR Vol.1
01. Koubru – SANDREMBEE
02. Philava (Princess of the mountain) – GURU REWBEN MASHANGVA
03. Gone Forever – A4APPLE
04. In The Fight – IMPHAL TALKIES
05. 7 Years Devastation – CLEAVE
06. Land Of The Free – FRINGES
07. Killers Don’t Cry – DEAD MOBSTER
08. Singju Kanghou – EASTERN DARK
09. Take Me Back To Yesterday – KRADLE O’ BEATS
10. Till Death Do Us Apart – WHITE FIRE
11. Freakonomy – YUTHAK WAH
12. Maibi Jagoi – DEEPARAJ OINAM
13. Stop The Killing – VIVEK SHARMA
14. Demon’s Nightmare – CHEM WEED FM
15. We Shall Overcome – HARI OINAM
16. Washak – UTTAM HAOBAM
17. Memories Of Sunder Griha – DINESH KHUNDRAKPAM
18. The Last Stand – SCRIBBLE LINK PURGATORY
19. Ocean Of Love – CYGNUS
20. Coming Home – REDOLENT
21. Seven Swordsmen – DARK REIGN
22. Nungcb – WILD FLOWER
23. Ougri – YUTHAK WAH
24. Plague – SANDREMBEE
25. Waiting – KRADLE O’ BEATS
26. Haiyu – WHITE FIRE
27. Ride To Destiny – VIVEK SHARMA
28. Princess Of Arabia – CLEAVE
29. The Retiring Rebel – DARK REIGN
30. All Here Is Fallen – A4APPLE
31. Lament Of The Wall – POIREINGANBA THANGJAM
32. Free – REDOLENT
33. Ishola – GURU REWBEN MASHANGVA
34. Bobok Na Hai – EASTERN DARK
35. Mamagi Macha – IMPHAL TALKIES

Bonus tracks:
1. WOMAN – PHYNYX (recorded in 1996)
2. SOAR HIGH – POST MARK (recorded sometime in late 1980′s – early 1990′s)

www.rockmusicmanipur.in  | www.groups.yahoo.com/group/rock-music-manipur
www.facebook.com/pages/Rock-Music-Manipur | contactus (at) rockmusicmanipur.in

For more details, please contact:
Eroz Laishram- 9774129261
Lukhendro Keisham – 9089408637
Kahaopou Raimei – 9612888475
Ithoiba Potshangbam – 8974006974
Ringo Pebam – 9900124949

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/rock-music-manipur-vol-1-released/

Documentary on Manipuri cinema wins National award

Fried Fish, Chicken Soup and a Premiere Show, a 90min documentary film dealing with the… more »

Fried Fish, Chicken Soup and a Premiere Show, a 90min documentary film dealing with the alternative cinema tradition in Manipur wins award in the Best Arts /cultural film category at the 59th National Film Awards.

"Fried Fish, Chicken Soup and a Premiere Show" wins National award

Jury citation: For taking us on a journey that chronicles the struggle to produce films in strife torn Manipur and in the process painting a vivid canvas, which captures cinema in the state as a medium of popular culture.

The film has already won  “Best Documentary” at 6th Signs National Film Festival 2012, Kerala and the “International Jury Award” at the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2012.

The film is directed by Mumbai based International award winning filmmaker Mamta Murthy.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/documentary-on-manipuri-cinema-wins-national-award/

ROUND TABLE ON ADVANCING WOMEN’S ECONOMIC & POLITICAL LEADERSHIP: TRANSFORMING LIVES, TRANSFORMING INDIA

PRESS COMMUNIQUE CALL TO SUPPORT MANIPUR AT ROUND TABLE ON ADVANCING WOMEN’S ECONOMIC & POLITICAL… more »

PRESS COMMUNIQUE

CALL TO SUPPORT MANIPUR AT

ROUND TABLE ON ADVANCING WOMEN’S ECONOMIC & POLITICAL LEADERSHIP: TRANSFORMING LIVES, TRANSFORMING INDIA

15 March 2012, Delhi: A round table conference on the topic “Advancing Women’s Economic and Political Leadership: Transforming Lives, Transforming India” was held 14th March 2012 at the UN Conference Hall on the premises of UNDP, Lodi Estate, New Delhi.

The conference was presided over by Ms Helen Clark, Chair of the UN Development Group, Administrator of UNDP and former Prime Minister of New Zealand. Several women leaders spoke at the event included Ms Gita Sen, Economist, Ms Ranjana Kumar of Women Power Connect, Ms Reema Nanavaly, Director, Rural Development Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), Ms Sumita Ghose, Managing Director of Rangsutra, Ms Rashmi Singh, Executive Director, National Mission for Empowerment of Women and Ms Binalakshmi Nepram, Founder, Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network.

Mr Ajay Chibber, UNDP Head South Asia (second from left) and Ms Chavvi Rajawat, a smart woman sarpanch from Soda village Rajasthan (second from right) with Ms Binalakshmi Nepram(third from right)

The purpose of the round table was to engage in an open dialogue with the Administrator on the challenges to women’s economic and political leadership in India and to draw upon the experienced and insights in driving change at the grassroots and policy level. This was to help UNDP to build a wider constituency for investing in women’s leadership in the economic and political spheres and to bring the issue to the centre stage in policy dialogues.

Speaking on the occasion Ms Gita Sen, Economist addressed about the paradox in policies regarding economic planning and gender concerns of India. She mentioned how in the last 20 years while economic growth happened in India anaemia among women in India was on the rise.

Ms Ranjana Kumar of Women Power Connect spoke about advancing women in political leadership. According to her only 11% of women were in the political leadership of the country and suggest that needs to be changed. According to her women reservation bill was the only bill which had been torn, thrown as well as pushed around in the Indian Parliament.

Ms Reema Nanavaly, Director, Rural Development Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) addressed that the economic leadership of women was needed to transform women’s lives. She suggested two strategies to enable the building of economic security of women by building asset ownership. According to her, for women to build asset ownership two things were needed i) access to land and ii) food security. She also mentioned that the world’s largest hungry were in India and said that most of them were women.

Ms Sumita Ghose, Managing Director of Rangsutra addressed that India had a 2nd largest artisan’s network next to agriculture. She called upon the need to encourage women artisans of the country for better economic power and political participation.

Ms Rashmi Singh, Executive Director, National Mission for Empowerment of Women addressed the needs to a collective conversion in all sectors of government policies and program for addressing the issue of empowerment of women.

Ms Binalakshmi Nepram, Founder, Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network addressed the issues faced by women due to the ongoing conflict in Manipur and Northeast India. She stated that she founded Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network in order to revive the hopes of women who had lost their loved ones in the conflict and stated how the network was empowering lives of such women economically and legally. She called upon UNDP to help support women of Manipur.

Ms Helen Clark, Chair of the UN Development Group, Administrator of UNDP and former Prime Minister of New Zealand gave her concluding remarks that there was a need to drive government into making integrated policies for empowering of women. She also touched upon the importance of working to address women and armed violence. She gave example of how societies in the Caribbean Islands California, America were destroyed by conflict and that UN Development Program was working to address such issues in this country and hinted that if government of India invites UNDP to Manipur and Northeast India they would indeed work on the issues in armed violence in that region.

For more information. please contact:
Ms Binalakshmi Nepram, Founder,Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network
b5/146, First Floor ,Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi-110029
Email: Binalakshmi@gmail.com, Website: www.cafi-online.org http://neiwip.blogspot.com/

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/round-table-on-advancing-women%E2%80%99s-economic-political-leadership-transforming-lives-transforming-india/

Okram Ibobi to be sworn in CM for third time in a row today

IMPHAL March 13: Okram Ibobi Singh has been announced as the leader of the Congress… more »

CM in waiting Okram Ibobi alongwith others addressing media person on Tuesday.

IMPHAL March 13: Okram Ibobi Singh has been announced as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party for the third time and will be sworn in as the Chief Minister tomorrow.

The announcement was made by AICC general secretary in charge of Manipur, Luijinho Faleiro today at Manipur Congress Bhawan located at BT Road during a press meet which was also attended by Ibobi, Gaikhangam, T Mangibabu, Victor Keishing and Thoudam Debendra Singh.

Speaking at the conference, Faleiro said the decision to institute Ibobi Singh as the CLP leader was made by Sonia Gandhi as the state unit had place the responsibility to decide the leadership before her earlier.

“There was no level playing field, names were given and warned”, he said before adding that despite the difficulties faced by the party before the election, the public has supported the party.

He further said that some states of the Northeast are still witnessing internal strife which has prevented development.

“We need a massive peace movement to create an atmosphere for fostering further development to fulfill the aspirations of the people”.

He said that the underground organizations should come to the negotiating table with their conditions for talks with the government.

Further during the meet, Okram Ibobi who will be sworn in for the third consecutive time said that his third term will be a big challenge. “Peoples’ expectation is so high and our capability is so limited”.

He stated that his third term will focus on improvement of connectivity, power, providing safe drinking water and what has been mandated in the Congress manifesto.

Replying to queries, he further stated that the selection of the cabinet minister for his government is also under consultation with the Congress high command.

Gaikhangam, president of MPCC who earlier gave up a ministerial berth in the last SPF led government also voiced content on Ibobi Singh’s selection as the CLP leader. He mentioned that whatever the central leader’s decision is, it is final and binding for the party.

The formation of the government will be formally carried out at Raj Bhawan in the afternoon tomorrow.

To swear in the Chief Minister and the new cabinet ministers, the Governor has appointed Laishram Nandakumar Singh, one of the senior most MLA elected in the 10th Assembly Elections as the Protem speaker today.

The Governor has also appointed Okram Ibobi Singh, leader of the INC legislature party in the Tenth Manipur Legislative Assembly to be the new Chief Minister and requested him to submit the names of his new council of ministers.

Meanwhile, reliable sources said that the induction of the cabinet ministers scheduled tomorrow will only witness conferring of portfolios to four MLAs only. The ministers likely to be sworn in include Gaikhangam, Th Debendra and Phunzathang Tonsing aside from Okram Ibobi Singh. Following hectic lobby for ministerial berths, the CLP will announce its remaining eight candidates in a second swearing in ceremony after March 15 only.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/okram-ibobi-to-be-sworn-in-cm-for-third-time-in-a-row-today/

NECEER – Jungle to another jungle an interactive programme on urban biodiversity and FBM Photo Exhibition and Contest

Jungle to another jungle an interactive programme on urban biodiversity and FBM Photo Exhibition and… more »

Jungle to another jungle
an interactive programme on urban biodiversity
and
FBM Photo Exhibition and Contest

NECEER – Jungle to another jungle an interactive programme on urban biodiversity and FBM Photo Exhibition and Contest

North East Centre for Environmental Education and Research (NECEER), Imphal in collaboration with For a Better Manipur (FBM), Marangmei Educational Trust (ME Trust) and Green Biology Research Centre organized an interactive programme on urban biodiversity entitled “Jungle to another jungle” on 4th March 2012 at the National Gandhi Museum, Rajghat, Delhi. The programme highlighted the importance of urban biodiversity in today’s world. Two documentary films by renowned environmental film maker Rajukmar Robindro were screened during the first half of the event.

FLY ASH SNOW, a documentary on environment and livelihood crisis highlighted the problems of deforestation and challenges faced by the villagers in the hill areas of Manipur. The documentary mainly centres on the hill district of Ukhrul, Manipur. 5th CMS Vatavaran – Environment and Wildlife Film Festival 2009 nominated film “Loktak: the Lake in Peril” highlights the problems faced by the largest fresh water lake in Northeast India, the Loktak Lake. Both the films were screened to educate and create awareness about the changing environment and for the conservation of fragile ecosystems.

Speaking on the occasion, Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh, Founder and Managing Trustee of NECEER, Imphal spoke on need of conserving Urban Biodiversity. He gave several case studies where due to urbanization and habitat destruction, several incidents have occurred in the last two-three years where rare and endangered species like Wild Cats and Elephants got killed due to human-wildlife conflicts. He cautioned about the plantation of alien species in the urban green spaces which may led to disappearance of indigenous species. He also spoke on the biodiversity richness of Northeastern states especially where than 500 species of orchids are found.

He also mentioned about the need for more extensive campaigns and awareness programme to save important fragile ecosystems like Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park and Loktak Lake. Participants had a good discussion on the need of involving policy makers and environmentalist in the decision making of selecting tree species in the town planning programme of cities and towns across the country.

As a part of the event, a quiz based on the urban biodiversity was organized by Mohd Sajid Idrisi, Officer in-Charge, CEC, Research and Development Division, NECEER inorder to make the participant aware about the species living in and around the urban green spaces.

North East Centre for Environmental Education and Research (NECEER), Imphal and its partner organization, For a Better Manipur (FBM) in collaboration with Marangmei Educational Trust (ME Trust) also organized 1st FBM Photo Exhibition cum Contest at the venue. Participants and tourists got the chance to see the more than 50 photographs of wildlife, beautiful landscapes of the country and traditional dance forms of Manipur by more than 15 photographers during the exhibition.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/neceer-jungle-to-another-jungle-an-interactive-programme-on-urban-biodiversity-and-fbm-photo-exhibition-and-contest/

Lions Club of Imphal Greater – 5th Inter Children Home sports Meet 2012

Lions Club of Imphal Greater Lions Clubs International, Distt. 322-D Ref. No. LCIG/2011-12/011 NEWS RELEASE… more »

Lions Club of Imphal Greater
Lions Clubs International, Distt. 322-D

Ref. No. LCIG/2011-12/011

NEWS RELEASE

Download press release (PDF)

For Immediate release
Imphal, the 4th March 2012

The Lions Club of Imphal Greater organised the 5th Inter Children Home sports Meet 2012 at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex on 3-4 March 2012. In the said Meet, About 200 destitute children from different homes in the state have participated in the above sports meet.

Lions Club of Imphal Greater – 5th Inter Children Home sports Meet 2012

The children have competed themselves in different areaS such as Atheletics, Kabadi, Tug of War etc. Angel’s Place, Churachanpur was declared as the Team champion of the Sports Meet.

Lions Club of Imphal Greater – 5th Inter Children Home sports Meet 2012

The Sports Meet was supported by diffent organisation and individuals including 28th Assam Riffles and 109 Bn CRPF. In the said project, our Past District Governor, Lion Animesh Baruah, Dist 322-D have joined the said event.

Yours faithfully,
(Lion Thongam Arun)
PRO, LCIG, Dist.322-D

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/lions-club-of-imphal-greater-5th-inter-children-home-sports-meet-2012/

Through the lens of thoughts: Irom Sharmila Chanu

THROUGH THE LENS OF THOUGHTS : IROM SHARMILA CHANU By Ravi Nitesh Irom Sharmila Chanu,… more »

THROUGH THE LENS OF THOUGHTS : IROM SHARMILA CHANU
By Ravi Nitesh

Irom Sharmila Chanu, a name that is fighting for a cause became a cause itself. People from all walks are now frequently coming together for her. Whether you see it through a scientific lense, through a political or social lense; this name has made its impact in such a way, that your lens will automatically become convert to focus on humanitarian points.

Sharmila

At the time, this fast started, it was started by a common face of the crowd, a face that had emotions and sentivity like any other, a body that had power like any other, a voice that had sound like any other. She started it without any extra achievement and extra talent but gradually she became the face for the fight. She has not started any new thing, because observing fast as a protest is an old way, but in spite of this, at present, there are many across the globe, who know her and support her through various ways. People lit candles on her name, people organize debates over her, people go to jail for her , people observe fast to support her, people write, sing, dance and paint for her. So we can see that this common lady shacked the minds and hearts of millions with her common tools.

What is behind this movement? Yes, it is honesty, dedication and the way of protest, that is non violence. Her fast never tried to harm anyone, instead her fast created waves of thoughts, her fast never started with thousands of persons but it reached to millions of population in a peaceful way, she never read sociological theories to move on the way, but her fast paved the way where sociologist are interpreting the theories. Irom, through her fast is saying many morals automatically. This fast is for the people of Manipur, for their safety , with a demand to repeal a controversial army rule of Indian government but now the way of protest has become the symbol of encouraging democratic values everywhere. This fast paved the way to understand the democracy and our role in a better way. This fast also paved the way to inculcate the values in millions of hearts. it is interesting to see that the rule that was made by intellectuals, is being challanged by common persons. The rule is for the people, and thus it should be left on people to frame the conditions.

Government, cannot ignore these voices for a long time. Eleven years are more than enough and now it is the time when government has to understand the broader view of the problem. The problem is converting in to conflict, a conflict to decide the rule. In this conflict, there are several stakeholders, in the form of various groups, but it is the time, when everyone can share a platform of solidarity with a flexible approach to provide a solution. Irom, is important for not only Manipur, but also for the country, she is not just a lady, she is a citizen, a sister and a daughter too.

At the time, when people are demanding for Irom and she has support of millions even from the non AFSPA imposed states; to find a fesible solution is never difficult, just a true will is needed from all sides.

(Views expressed are personal)

Ravi Nitesh
Bio: Petroleum Engineer, President- Mission Bhartiyam, Core Group Member- Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign, Member- Khudai
www.ravinitesh.blogspot.com

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/through-the-lens-of-thoughts-irom-sharmila-chanu/

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign – 29 Feb to 3 March 2012: Guwahati & Imphal

Dear friends, “SAVE SHARMILA SOLIDaRITY CAMPAIGN”(SSSC) is continuously working on the issue of Irom Sharmila,… more »

Dear friends,

“SAVE SHARMILA SOLIDaRITY CAMPAIGN”(SSSC) is continuously working on the issue of Irom Sharmila, ignorance of her non violent protest. SSSC is spreading awareness and generating support for Irom Sharmila on humanitarian ground for the demands of the campaign. SSSC is trying to gather public support as well as continuously engaged in various activities for its demands with government.

From candle vigils at Rajghat & India Gate and in many other cities of India to Signature Campaigns at 18 Indian States and in many countries, from street march on roads to documentary screenings at SAARC university, DU, IITs and in many other colleges, from the support show by artists at Gate way of India to human chain at Marine drive, from the historical jouney of Srinagar -Imphal & Ahemdabad – Srinagar to meetings with NHRC chairman, from Press conferences and protest to sending public appeal to Prime Minister; SSSC is engaged through all possible means. SSSC has now gathered support of more than 90 organizations.

Now, with the objective to strengthen the campaign and to appeal for the issue, campaign has decided the next activity as given below:

29th FEB 2012:

Faisal Khan , Deepak Joshi and Mehndi Hasan will sit on day long fast at Kasturba Ashram,Uloowadi Guwahati with the objective of strengthen the campaign. This Ashram is symbol of non violence, purity and harmony and thus with this fast, we will make ourselves strong enough to move ahead on the path of truth and non violence for justice.

1,2,3 MARCH 2012:

Meeting with Irom Sharmila and members of civil societies of Manipur to discuss about the issue, possible alternatives and future course of action.

We hereby invite you to join the programs as per schedule to support the campaign in favor of peace, justice, humanity, democracy and non violence.


Regards,
9968828230,0931316745, 9958907799
Volunteers of ”SAVE SHARMILA SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN”
(A joint initiative of various organizations & movements)

http://www.repealafspa.blogspot.com/

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/save-sharmila-solidarity-campaign-29-feb-to-3-march-2012-guwahati-imphal/

Tiny Tots’ Unique School – Alumni Group – Press Release

1st March 2012 Imphal, A group of like minded ex-students of Tiny Tots’ Unique School,… more »

1st March 2012
Imphal,

A group of like minded ex-students of Tiny Tots’ Unique School, Imphal have come together and formed an alumni group We started with a small group of 80 members in Facebook and now we have a total of 308 members. After several deliberations within the group during the past four months, we have come to a conclusion to launch a formal Alumni Group. This Alumni Group has the blessings of our beloved Principal Sir Daniel Byrne and Madam. Our members currently are from different batches and physically spread far and wide across the major Indian cities including Imphal. The international team consists of alumni members from Japan, Sweden, UK and USA. Many members are working in private institutions in the field of IT, ITES (BPO), Media & Journalism, Airlines, Retail, etc. There are several members who are in the government sector and some members are well established entrepreneurs. We do not plan to have any elected members of the group. We will work through focal points and chapters across cities.

Tiny Tot's – Class of 1990

We have agreed that our Alumni will be referred to in three different ways viz. Tiny Totians, Tiny Tots Alumni, TTUS Alumni. Subsequently, we plan to brand our group with a logo which is currently being prepared by one of the alumni members.

Starting this year, following are the planned activities of this group:

1. Create a platform for interaction between alumni & current students/juniors who are still pursuing education
2. Fund drive from the alumni who are currently working professionals to support needy students
3. Open a library at the school (library space has already been approved by our Principal)
4. Organize essay competitions, seminars and other extracurricular activities so that learnings by this group can be shared with the juniors
5. Alumni visits to the school – 2 hrs vacation time of alumni who wants to share their experiences with the juniors
6. Support any career related queries from juniors, in fact create career counseling sessions forums for juniors
7. Alumni Newsletter (frequency to be decided)
8. Also an alumni meet every two years

Following are key points discussed and agreed with Sir Daniel and one of the senior alumni members. This meeting was held over the phone on 26th February 2012.

1. Sir Daniel has 100% support on our group and agreed to go ahead with the press release and subsequently launch our website.
2. He has also agreed to open a bank account in the name of the alumni under the school authority. This account will be managed by one of the alumni members based out of Imphal along with one of the school authorities.
3. Fund drive is completely voluntary and we have not set up any fixed amount. Funds will be collected twice a year – once in January and another in July. Sir Daniel has endorsed the plan.
4. He has also confirmed the library space. Our first set of funds will get into buying various books for the students.
5. Sir Daniel was very excited to hear that we now have more than 300 members and all of us are joining hands to give back to the society.

If you are an ex-student of our alma mater, we urge you to join this Alumni group and support the activities. This group is always open to ideas and suggestions from all. Please contact us via e-mail at alumni@ttus.org Or if you have a Facebook Account, we request you to join the group. The name of the Facebook group is TINY TOTS’ UNIQUE SCHOOL.

Sincerely,
Tiny Tots Alumni Team
Dewlahland, Imphal
Manipur 795 001

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/tiny-tots-unique-school-alumni-group-press-release/

“IMA” Talents of Ranbir (6th Edition) – releasing March 18, 2012

Upcoming Ranbir Thouna New Tracks Talents of Ranbir (6th Edition) title ” EMA” Release Date  … more »

Upcoming Ranbir Thouna New Tracks
Talents of Ranbir (6th Edition) title ” EMA” Release Date    18th march 2012, Sunday, 2 pm. Hotel Classic, IMPHAL.

Genre    manipuri folk, naga blues, hip hop, classical POP.

"IMA" Talents of Ranbir (6th Edition)

……… BEHIND THE TRACKS

santosh mulekar on piano and keyboard
o.geet on acostic and bass guitar
jitenkumar naorem on adln keyboard
nanao sapam on lead guitar
lal hari on indian classical flute
rishikanta on chinese flute
shuklaji on sitar
shanta on tabla
h.pryobrata sharma on rythm

r.k birendrajit = strings arranger
jian ngam kamei = choir arranger

recording and final processed at tamna sanggai, imphal.
additional recording at impact studio santacruz east, mumbai.
sound recording, processed and mastering by nadeem and melroy.
sound consultant = o.boby of bindia recording studio, imphal.

……… V O C A L S

ranbir thouna
guru rewben mashangva
mikon wahengbam
raj elangbam

…….. a d d i t i o n a l V O C A L S

pushparani
madhuri
luwangba
a.k apaai
mikon wahengbam
raj elangbam

………. L Y R I C I S T S

legendary (late) maharajkumari binodini
w.rajen
khaidem imo
somen moirangcha
luwangba
h.cha leishang
ranbir thouna

………. P R O D U C T I O N T E A M

produced by : tamna sanggai
production design : santosh thouna
production tie up : times music india
production controller : bojen longjam
production consultant : joy mongjam

………. P U B L I C I T Y

online design by : Ashwinikumar ningombam
online publish by : Naoba ningombam
fotography design by : Chetan yumnam
audiography design by : kh. Biswamittra
videography design by : ibudhou creations and pillu films
ima design by : imomacha heishnam.

Special thanks: – www.e-pao.net, www.siroy.info, www.kanglaonline.com

About    sanashenggoi@yahoo.com
Description
IMA( mother),

is a heartfelt rendition dedicated to Manipur and her legacy of love, prosperity on one hand and fractured ties and violence on the other. IMA is not a song, it is a call to realize one`s roots and history while stepping into the new world. IMA is an intense call for her children to come back to her lap and to start a new beginning.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/ima-talents-of-ranbir-6th-edition-releasing-march-18-2012/

NECEER – Into the Wild Photography Festival 2012

Into the Wild Photography Festival 2012 PRESS RELEASE 24th – 25th February 2012,  New Delhi… more »

Into the Wild Photography Festival 2012
PRESS RELEASE
24th – 25th February 2012,  New Delhi

The first day of the event titled “Into the Wild” Photography Festival 2012 saw the footfall of hundreds of people including students and teachers apart from photographers and wildlife researchers. It was a major attraction today at M.F. Husain Art Gallery of the Ansari Auditorium Complex of Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi.

NECEER – Into the Wild Photography Festival 2012

The event is being organised by North East Centre for Environmental Education and Research, (NECEER), Imphal, Manipur in association with HTT Global consultants and The Ranthambhore School of Art Society, Sawai Madhopur. NECEER, a Manipur based non-profit organization have been progressively organising various educational and interactive events to promote environmental education and awareness across India.

The festival aim is to create awareness and seek public participation on wildlife and biodiversity conservation in India. It intends to draw the attention of the people from all walks of life towards the beauty and wealth of nature, making them realize its importance and urgent need to conserve it. The festival will showcase the photographs of wild animals and plants, places and indigenous people living in far off places of the country and sharing the space with nature.

“There is an urgent need to attract people towards nature and then devise methods to educate them about it utilizing creative communication strategies” said Mr. Sajid Idrisi, Organsing Secretary of the event. And Visual media is the best thing to do that, he added.
Besides a variety of wonderful photographs of wild mammals, birds, plants, local handmade art and crafts have been displayed. The magnificent charcoal and oil paintings of Tigers and Leopards in the wild made by the artists of The Ranthambhore School of Art Society, Sawai Madhopur was a major attraction at the event.

NECEER – Into the Wild Photography Festival 2012

“The festival is just fantastic with beautiful photographs, paintings and crafts showcasing the wildlife in an urban city like New Delhi” said Atom Rajiv Singh of Hansraj College, Delhi University.

The festival is a two day event, and will be closed tomorrow evening. An online photo contest was also launched months before as an integral part of the festival to provide platform to the young generation. The result of the contest will be declared tomorrow evening.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/neceer-into-the-wild-photography-festival-2012/

Is “Singh” a Misnomer to Meiteis? Not really, but…

By: Sanjib Meitei Saturday morning is always pleasant for me. It is a day I… more »

By: Sanjib Meitei

Saturday morning is always pleasant for me. It is a day I can spend some time with myself in a nearby university’s sport ground without the need to rush back before 8 am to ensure I reach office by 9 am. It is day I can think of something other than never ending office works. One Saturday morning, when I am back from the ground at around 9.45 am, I saw a miss call from one of my friends whom I have not been in touch for a long time (around 2 years). I called him back to inquire the reason behind his missed call. The reason was amusing and sound trivial. He wanted to remove the word “Singh” from his last name. So, he wanted to know procedure to change his name in his degree certificate. My first reply was “Are you serious?” I tried to persuade him by giving a workaround solution just the way I generally provide to scientists from our partnering organizations whenever my informatics solution fails to cater their research needs. I tried to simplify. That is simple, you just use an easy name like mine “Sanjib Meitei” in your credit card, PAN card and use the name instead of your certificate name. You don’t need to change your name in certificate. Moreover, you don’t show your degree certificate when someone asks your name. Well, he didn’t ring me up to listen to my free workaround solutions. He had already taken up a step further than I imagined. He had managed to strike off “Singh” from his name in HSLC certificate. Now, he wants to get rid of this word from his name from the degree certificate too. He reasoned in short, “it’s embarrassing to have “Singh” in a Meitei’s name”. I pondered for a while and understood the eventual futility of any suggestions to stop doing his quest to remove the word. I assured him that I will assist getting his name change done.

Being Saturday, I had the privilege to spend some time thinking about the reasons that might force him to prioritize a task that has nothing to do with his professional life. As the day progressed, my mind was wandering on the thought whether it really matters when someone uses Singh as his last name. Why this Kolaveri Di? Well, in the context of the Indian society, my friend has a point to feel something awkward about mismatch between last name and our race especially in Hindu and its nearby societies. Most of the popular names and surnames in India are clan/caste/region specific. So, whenever your name is announced, people already imagined a template of your look/caste/race/region in their mind. This is where Meiteis with Singh as last name become a mismatch to many people who are not even aware of the existence of an Indian state called Manipur. A few years back, I read a piece of news titled “Singh from the east” in a national newspaper (it must either be Hindustan Times or Times of India since I read these papers only). It was amusing news although not very important. Either Rennedy Singh or Gouramangi Singh (sorry, I could not remember the exact one and I don’t want to dig the information out) went to Australia to play high level club football matches. It was a matter of pride that Indian footballers got to play football in Australian league matches. All the people from Punjab living there in Australia gathered to welcome the Singh. Anyway, it is matter of pride to have one sporting icon from your community or caste or region. It is a global phenomenon that is not only restricted to Indians only who are starved of legitimate sport stars. Phillipinos will rightly gush about Manny Pacquio, the reigning king of boxing while I, as a Manipuri always like Mary Kom to win gold in every competition she participates. Coming back to the story of the news I just mentioned, when Singhs in Australia saw the Singh from the east, they were left shocked and confused. Luckily, some Manipuris living there turned up to take the charge and organized a welcome party for the name wise mismatched Singh. Well, similar stories of confusion continue to brew up for many common Singhs from the east in Indian schools, colleges, offices and many other places. Some are sensitive and some just move on ignoring the raised eyebrows. On the other side, from the shocked people who just realize the existence of Singhs in the east, some brash people questioned or commented on the mismatch between name and the race while some polite people just get on keeping their wonder and curiosity to themselves. But a generic line accepted among all people when they saw Singhs from east or some not so popular communities runs freely “Aaj kal har koi apane naam ke aage Singh likhte hain”. And for sure, the same sentence might have been used by stunned Singhs in Australia when they realized that the Singh of football was from the east.

I am not going to request Singhs from the east to change their last name. Different people have different experience in life. Who knows, some people might have got social acceptance and honor because of Singh as last name. But, I, in this article, bring in some basic information regarding people belonging to different castes/communities/regions who generally write Singh as their last name. I don’t say all Meiteis do not know the lineage of Singh but it is also a fact that many of my fellow Meiteis are oblivious to the reason and significance of writing Singh as last name.

“Singh” derived from a Sanskrit word “Simha” means lion. It is one of the most popular last names (many write it as their middle name too) and is used predominantly by people belonging to Rajput clans to symbolize their bravery and warrior pedigree. The rajputs are divided into three clans namely Suryavanshi, Chandravanshi, and Agnivanshi. As per legends, Lord Ram belonged to Suryavanshi rajput clan, Shri Krishna belonged to Chandravanshi clan (there seem to be some argument regarding this when Yadavas claimed that they are the legitimate descendents of Yadubanshis) and Chalukya rulers belong to Agnivanshi clan. Historically, different clans ruled several western, eastern, southern and northern states of current India although it didn’t reach NE states of current India. Besides rajputs, the Sikhs also write Singh as their last name. They started using “Singh” as mandatory last name under the leadership of Guru Govind Singh in 1699 AD. Well, Meiteis (although I am not scholar in this field), especially the king and his family should have started a little bit later as compared to the Sikhs during the reign of Maharaja Garibniwaj. Most probably, by the time of “Chahi Taret Khuntakpa”, I think common Meiteis too started using “Singh” as last name (anyone, please educate me more regarding this). To my not so erudite understanding, taking “Singh” as last name by Meiteis was not wrong from the context of literary meaning of the word “Singh” since Meiteis are warriors since the time of immemorial.

Although Sikhs and Meiteis started using the last name Singh around the same century, Singh by a Sikh is well accepted while it is a misnomer for Meiteis to general Indian populace. Sikh’s contribution to Indian history is significant and they have always been a part of it. Even in today’s India, although their population is around only 2% of total Indian population (well Meitei population is negligible), they produce people who are always in public knowledge. Easiest examples, Dr. Manmohan Singh, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, many Army Chiefs to name a few who make significant contribution to the nation as well as become popular names among common people. Meiteis, despite our bravery and history in our right, are quite unheard of among majority of the common people of India and never got our share in Indian history also. Well, I don’t need to write in detail regarding this. In simple language, majority of Indians are not familiar with Singh attached to names of Chinese looking people. So, Singh becomes a misnomer to Meiteis to them. Scientifically, the reluctance of majority of Indian common people to recognize Singh as last name Meiteis is very reasonable. Just see how letters are arranged in computer keyboards. When I saw computer keyboard for the first time, I felt disgusted. I thought how on the earth, letters are arranged horribly out of order on keyboards. However, it is so popular with people that if a company comes up with a new keyboard having letters arranged in different order to the current one then I doubt it will be acceptable to people.

My friend who decided to strike off “Singh” from his name seem to be quite sensitive as far as mismatch between the last name and our ancestry. My only concern was that he needs to change his name in many important documents which may require legal proceedings. I hope, he named his son accordingly. I am not sure if I would have gone all the ways to remove the word had it been in my last name. Anyway, in this big bad world where we cannot avoid many uncomfortable things, one should be comfortable at least with his own name. If some of my fellow Meiteis are embarrassed with their last name, I will blame a few generations of Meiteis who failed to promote our own language to define things properly. They could have come up with our own word to define ourselves instead of burrowing it from other established languages and corresponding utility. Many communities use “Singh” and other variants of the word to symbolize that they are warrior descendant. “Meitei Nongsha” is a word that we use to praise people who show bravery in the face of adversities. We, the Meiteis, for sure belong to a proud warrior community who withstands the test of time, intruders and many more unwanted situations. We can proudly use a name to symbolize having descents of a warrior clan. However, would I use “Singh” to do so? My answer is a big Never! Because, there are already people who have established their own historical, political, social and cultural lineage for this last name in Indian society. To me, working hard to make Singh a popular Meitei’s last name just sounds like investing upon developing a keyboard with different letter arrangement from the current popular one without much resource at hand. I feel proud that my fellow people start seeing the importance of developing our own identity rather than just living with a last name which majority of the people consider it to be a misnomer. We belong to a small community and if a Meitei brings laurels for the nation, we cannot afford to lose the credit in confusion to other well established communities. I will not force other people who write Singh as last name to change their last name but personally, I will love to see Meiteis using their own Surname or Yek as last name.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/is-%E2%80%9Csingh%E2%80%9D-a-misnomer-to-meiteis-not-really-but/

Re-polls inevitable as mass discrepancies discovered during photo comparison

Exposing the rampancy of muscle power and intimidation in the hill districts at the recently… more »

Candid Camera: These few comparisions provides a peek into the gross discrepepancies discovered between the mug shots of electorates in the electoral roll bank (left) and those taken at the polling booths

Exposing the rampancy of muscle power and intimidation in the hill districts at the recently conducted Manipur Assembly polls, tell-tale irregularities have been noticed while comparing the photos of the voters shot at the polling stations and the voters electoral roll bank. Repoll in several stations are expected. As a means of emphasizing transparency in the polls, the ECI laid down norms that the voters should be photographed at the polling station bearing the ink mark on the finger and later compared with the photos in the electoral roll post poll.
The voters comparison for Chandel, Senapati and Kangpokpi ADC was conducted today at the office complex of the Chief Electoral Office at Lamphelpat, beginning from 11 am today and manually scrutinized by three special observers amidst tight security cover. The photo matching was done following 76 complaints made to the CEO of the state by candidates on grounds of unfair means being carried out at the polling stations, the complaints were later referred to the ECI. Out of the complaints, 35 complaints had been acknowledged and further ordered to the CEO for verification by comparing the photos under scrutiny of the ECI observers.The matching session was conducted at the said complex and telecasted in three television screen which could be witnessed by the complaining candidates and other concerned officials. The television screen listed the gender, age, ID card number, photo in the electoral roll and the photo taken at the time of polling.Media persons present at the site witnessed the tell tale irregularities in the comparison. Photos in the electoral roll of male individuals were compared to female ones and vice versa. Different individuals in the compared photographs, same person impersonating others, women with covered faces,blurred photographs ,photographs taken against the light and cannot be identified, photos of electoral roll missing and vice versa.“It is perceived that there are certain irregularities in the comparisons, the verification reports will be made by the observers to the ECI and we shall see if repolls are recommended”, CEO, Lawmkunga told IFP.
Talking to IFP Daokhomang Khongsai, MLA of Saikhul a/c asserted that the memory card of the mobile phone used for taking photographs of voters at Thangal Surung, 46/14  polling station of the said constituency was reportedly lost and no voter comparison can be made. “ It is clearly evident from the comparisons made today that proxy voting has been rampant and no further complaints need not be made ,the concerned must take up measures for repoll in the identified polling stations”,he stated.
The session was held till 6 pm today and the photo comparisons for Ukhrul and Churachanpur will be held tomorrow.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/repolls-inevitable-as-mass-discrepancies-discovered-during-photo-comparison/

The First HYMS North East Football Cup 2012

The First HYMS North East Football Cup 2012 The First HYMS North East Football Cup… more »

The First HYMS North East Football Cup 2012

The First HYMS North East Football Cup 2012

The First HYMS North East Football Cup 2012, brainchild of Hyderabad Manipuri Society (HYMS) was held on 4th and 5th of February, 2012 at Gymkhana Ground, Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh. With a strong support from its members and well wishers, HYMS brought together football teams from NE community. This football cup was an important event of HYMS annual calendar.

Hyderabad Manipuri Society (HYMS) was formed after a detailed discussion and coming together of likeminded people. It was inaugurated formally in University of Hyderabad football ground in 2011, June. It was attended by nearly 200 Manipuri residents of Hyderabad. HYMS was formed with an aim to set up a platform for the people of Manipur who are currently residing in and around Hyderabad. HYMSs’ main objective is to provide better connectivity among Manipuris in Hyderabad and it acts as an agent for such a thought out connectivity. It also extends support when required to this group of people apart from organizing cultural event, community awareness programmes and sports activities. With such activities and objectives in mind, HYMS aims to spread peace, harmony, mutual respect of ‘differences’ between different communities.

HYMS maintains an annual calendar. In the last eight months since its formation, HYMS has managed to rise up to many occasions which deserve appreciation. In its infancy period, HYMS has oranised a sit-in-protest against the draconian AFSPA (1958) on 2nd Oct. 2011 at Ambedkar Statue, Tank Bund, Hyderabad in collaboration with National Alliance for People Movement : http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/article2507525.ece

The First HYMS North East Football Cup 2012

It also has started a signature campaign against the same act and in support of iconic Irom Sharmila Chanu. On Oct. 29, 2011, HYMS has organised Thabal Chongba, calling on Manipuris from Hyderabad for a light and hearty get together. It was a huge success with a turnout of about 300 Manipuris. The Thabal went on till 11.30 at night. A week after this event, on 4th November, 2011, HYMS collaborated with the Manipuri students of University of Hyderabad to show solidarity to Irom Sharmila and to celebrate her Iron will as she completed 11th years on 4th November. The programme witnessed a huge turnout from all sections of life, from all communities and was supported by more than seven student bodies from Hyderabad University and outside. There were candle march, poetry reading, songs, documentary screening and speeches. In collaboration with Manipuri students, we have printed 250 shirts of Irom Sharmila to spread her message and struggle.

HYMS also celebrated Eid and performed an special programme for the Manipuri Muslims. On 17th December, HYMS organised an advanced Christmas Celebration at Secunderabad. It was graced by Don Pasteur from Palestine and other dignitaries. It had gift exchange programme, Christmas Carol and speeches.

The football tournament was an invitation tournament which would bring together different teams from different communities mainly from the North Eastern region of India who are currently residing in Hyderabad, 8 teams participated the tournament.

Following are the team who participated ‘The 1st HYMS North East football tournament’ :

HYMS Team A
HYMS Team B
BBC (Bharat Bible College)
Mizoram team (A)
Mizoram team (B)
Kuki Students organization (KSO)
Kuki Students organization(KSO)
Tangkhul Team

The Final match was played between Mizoram (A) and BBC (Bharat Bible College). Mizoram team (A) won the HYMS cup by scoring 2-0 against BBC.

HYMS thanks to all the teams who took part in this event and all the dear ones who help us financially and physically. Thank you for all your support, your keen interest and enthusiastic participation to make this event a GRAND SUCCESS. We could not make this event without your support and co operation.

Lastly, HYMS proudly declares ‘The 1st HYMS North East football tournament’ a GRAND success. Even though both the football teams of HYMS failed to reach the finals, we felt that the goal/aim/cause for which the tournament was held was achieved. Above all the positive feedbacks which we received from the other teams such as – Kuki Students organization, Bible college, Mizoram team was the icing on the cake.

You can find the photos of the ‘The 1st HYMS North East football tournament, 2012′ from the below web link:

https://picasaweb.google.com/104519718610110825395/TheFirstHYMSNorthEastFootballCup2012#

Regards,
Maibam Hitler Singh (Chief coordinator HYMS)

Hyderabad Manipuri Society (HYMS)
www.hyderabadmanipurisociety.org

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/the-first-hyms-north-east-football-cup-2012/

Lion Barooah assures fund for alternative relocation construction of Kohima leprosy inmates

KOHIMA, Feb 12 (NEPS): District Governor (DG) of the District 322D of the Lions Club… more »

District Governor Lion Amar Barooah, PMJF (3rd left sitting), LCK President Lion Er Hozheto Shikhu (4th left sitting) seen on the occasion of his (DG) visit to LCK held at Hotel Japfu, Kohima on February 12, 2012. NEPS Photo.

KOHIMA, Feb 12 (NEPS): District Governor (DG) of the District 322D of the Lions Club of International, Amar Barooah, PMJF, has today urged the fellow Lions of the Lions Club of Kohima (LCK) to become a “role model” for others to emulate them. He told them to be “dedicated and devoted” with one track mind in the one of the largest “philanthropic organizations” of the world.

Addressing a function organized in honor of his visit to LCK here at Hotel Japfu on Sunday, the DG expressed his happiness on the various permanent and ongoing projects of the LCK. He further advised the fellow Lions in Kohima to organize more awareness programs on HIV, AIDS, and other Health related issues, etc in small ways. “You can organize awareness programs on HIV/AIDS, health related issues in schools and colleges with one or two recourses persons,” he said. “Our youth are easily attracted to negative sides and this should be arrested through such awareness programs.”

While expressing his happiness of the permanent project of the Leprosy inmates at Naga Bazaar, Barooah also took serious note of the news of the present Leprosy inmate center at Naga Bazaar being asked to shift somewhere. This matter was earlier raised by the LCK President Lion Er Hozheto Shikhu while delivering his welcome address to him (DG).
Shikhu disclosed that the present Leprosy Center whose living accommodation constructed by LCK had been asked to shift somewhere at the peripheries of the colony. He also explained the need to shift the present Leprosy center from the “logistic point of view” for which he requested the visiting DG to initiate for fund.

Shikhu also explained that when the marginalized section of the people was left defenseless, the LCK was compelled to step in to find alternative relocation for them.

DG assured that he would try his best to get fund from the International Lions Club, while asking the Lions at the same time to prepare detail project report at the earliest. “This is very genuine issue,” he said. “I hope we can get reasonable funding from the International Lions Clubs. This is a need-based project.” He further asked the Lions at Kohima to start working something, while pursuing for funding.

On the occasion, the DG also inducted two more new Lion members, Er Kaikho Dawman and Er Aroba.

LCK Secretary Oken Jeet Sandham had presented Club’s Reports on the occasion, while Lion Talitemsu Jamir read out brief profile of DG. Lion SP Francis pronounced invocation and flag salutation. Senior Lion Meren Paul, PMJF, was Mater of Ceremony, while LCK President Lion Er Hozheto Shikhu chaired the occasion.

Region Chairperson Lion PK Maheswari, Zone Chairperson Lion Kakheli Zhimomi and 1st Lady Lion Purabi Sharma, wife of DG were also present during the occasion. LCK Treasurer Lion Achakbou Newmai delivered Vote of Thanks.

Senior Lions and office bearers of LCK also attended the function.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/lion-barooah-assures-fund-for-alternative-relocation-construction-of-kohima-leprosy-inmates/