Meidingu Narasingh statue unvieled

Imphal: “As small as Manipur is, it is necessary for the present generation to remember and honour the sacrifices made by our forefathers in building the land and follow in their footsteps,” said Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh as he unveiled a statue of Meidingu Narasingh at Kangla Western Gate,  here, on Wednesday.

This is why today, the government is constructing memorials of our forefathers at different locations, the chief minister said, speaking at a function held at the Kangla Hall.

During the function artistes of the state were also felicitated and distribution of assistance under Chief Ministergi Artistessingi Tengbang (CMAT) Scheme 2022.

Earlier there was a statue of only Maharaj Gambhir Singh at Maharaj Gambhir Singh Samadhi Complex, Canchipur, but in remembrance of the Seven Years Devastation, statues of Meidingu Narasingh and Sana Herachandra were installed and honoured, Biren said.

He said, he has held meetings with Manipuri Filmmaker Romi Meetei and discussed to make films on the life of Maharaj Kullachandra to celebrate his courageous spirit, and Seven years Devastation. “We have to remember and celebrate our forefathers because without them we would not have existed,” the chief minister said.

“We have neglected the state’s artistes for long although we always say our art and culture and sports put us on the world map. The government has launched the CMAT and pension scheme to recognise the renowned artistes and encourage them, Regarding the implementation of the CMAT scheme, the chief minister said.

Biren assured all possible assistance to the artistes of the state and said a society cannot have its identity without maintaining and preserving its culture and tradition.

The function was also attended by ministers Thongam Biswajit Singh, Yumnam Khemchand, Govindas Konthoujam, Nemcha Kipgen, Kashim Vashum, L. Susindro Meitei, MP Rajya Sabha Maharaj Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs and artistes, among others.