Freedom Fighter Laikhuram Khagendrajit Remembered

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, September 13, 2018: Freedom Fighter Laikhuram Khagendrajit was remembered on his 134th birth anniversary observed today at the multipurpose community hall of Naharol  Sintha Kanglup (NSK) of Wangkhei Keithel Asangbi, Imphal East.

The event was organised by The Khagendrajit Research Committee, Wangkhei Keithel Asangbi, Imphal East.

Former commissioner, arts and culture, government of Manipur P. Bharat Singh, former commissioner IMC S. Momon Singh, social worker Ak. Ibotombi Singh and senior fellow and national awardee and editor “The Manipur Culture” Mutua Tomba attended the function as presidium members.

MC Arun, Professor, Manipur University; Dr. A. Kholchandra, secretary, Critic Forum, Manipur, Nongthombam Ashok Meitei, associate professor, D.M. College of Science; and L. Iboyaima Singh, veteran journalist and social worker attended the event as the resource persons and discussed on the life and activities of the freedom fighter.

Floral tribute was paid to the portrait of Khagendrajit.

Laikhuram Khagendrajit Singh, generally known as Ibungohal was born on September 13, 1885 to Laikhuram Shengoi Singh and Rajkumari Tharosana Devi of Wangkhei Kongba Laishram Leikai.

Khagendrajit was an astrologer, a physician, a historian, a religious and cultural revivalist, a social reformer and a pioneer in the political movement in Manipur.

He was a candidate for the Manipur Krishak Sabha in the Wangkhei constituency in the first ever Manipur Legislative Assembly election held in March 1948 while he was in sick bed owing to a bicycle accident he met in January 1948, however he lost the election.

Laikhuram Khagendrajit Singh had also established the Meitei Mayek Thougal Marup in 1945 and became the first president of the organisation. He also initiated for publication of the Meitei Puya “Leishemlon Ariba” and “Bamon Khunthoklon”. He also devoted himself to the establishment of a Meitei Mayek School and also introduced the practice singing of the Meitei Puya by holding kortal with big turban in the head and attired in white costume.