Home » Two decades back, the then Editor, today the CM of Manipur put forth a suggestion of having a state song

Two decades back, the then Editor, today the CM of Manipur put forth a suggestion of having a state song

by Rinku Khumukcham
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I cannot remember the exact date or year, but it was during the late 90s, probably during the winter of 1998; three audio albums: Kheba Ching,  Natte Nonghou Khonjel, and  Leibak Ningba Eshei Nachom, which were patriotic songs sung by renowned singers of the state including the legendary matam Eshei Singer of Manipur Late Khun Joykumar, was officially released at the terrace of the old AMUCO office located at Kwakeithel. All the songs were penned by my mentor Iboyaima Khuman, who is also the publisher as well as the Chief consultant editor of the newspaper that I edit for.

I, as a young budding journalist, had the opportunity to attend the releasing function as a reporter. I recalled that function, as the present Chief Minister N. Biren Singh was the chief guest of that cassette releasing function who then was the editor of the local vernacular daily ‘Naharolgee Thoudang’. From those days itself, the presence of Editor Nonthongbam Biren either as a Chief Guest or special guest was the pride of almost every function that was related to state issues.

It wasn’t a huge assembly of people yet the attendees included many leaders of the civil society organizations particularly, those from the All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO).

There were countless functions and public gatherings where the former Editor N. Biren Singh appeared at and this occasion, I still remember as an important chapter in the history of Manipur.

During the releasing function of the three audio albums from  Eikhoigi  Yawol  Production, the Chief Guest N. Biren Singh appreciated what Iboyaima Khuman had contributed to the society by scripting songs that have the potential of promulgating the essence of patriotism to the youths of the society.

One crucial suggestion he made that day while delivering his speech as the Chief guest of that event still rings in my ears. I still bear that suggestion in mind till today. He said, “We the people of Manipur which comprises of various ethnic groups need to have a common song – a state song that will strengthen the integrity of the state”. He also added that such a song should be for all the community, a song we can sing together to promote peace and harmony in the state.

Today, after almost two decades Manipur still does not have a state song accepted by all. There are songs like Hingminnasi Eikhoi etc., but there is still no approved state song. In a land of diverse culture like Manipur, N. Biren Singh (Tamo Biren) now the chief minister of Manipur should at least work in this area to strengthen the bond of brotherhood among all communities in the state.

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