GUWAHATI, Aug 20 - The 26th Manipuri Language Day was observed by the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Assam in collaboration with the Kamrup District Committee of the Parishad at the Guwahati Press Club here today.
The day is observed as a commemoration day for the inclusion of the Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India in 1992.
Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, Paramananda Rajbongshi, general secretary of the Asam Sahitya Sabha, said he will extend his support for including Manipuri as a classical language as it has got a script of its own. He further stressed the need to maintain and strengthen good relations between the Asam Sahitya Sabha and the Manipuri Sahitya Sabha.
Ngangom Basanta Kumar, general secretary of the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, delivered the keynote address on the occasion whereas Dr Haourangbam Rajmani, assistant professor of the Department of Manipuri, Assam University, Silchar, delivered a speech on the topic of �Language Day�, as a resource person.
�Many people sacrificed their lives for our mother tongue and we should respect our language,� he added. A book titled Kauba Ngamlaroi Punsida written by Mei Bhagat was also released on the occasion. Famous artist and cartoonist Ahaibam Padma was felicitated during the event.
Earlier, the programme started with lighting of the inaugural lamp by Dr Karam Ibunghal, president of the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Assam and other dignitaries. Laishram Taranikanta, Joint Director, Press Information Bureau, Government of India and Dr Phuritsabam Biramani, editor of Echema and Arambai were also present on the occasion.
The welcome address was delivered by Ngangom Anil, vice president of the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad.
Several other eminent personalities and delegates from different districts of Assam spoke on the occasion.
