Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday called upon all communities in Manipur to come together with a spirit of forgiveness, mutual understanding and respect, stating that lasting peace is essential for achieving development and prosperity in the State.
Addressing the State-level celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, commemorating the 151st birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, at the City Convention Centre, Imphal, the Chief Minister stressed that every community must respect the identity, culture and aspirations of others and work collectively towards restoring peace and harmony.
He said the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, could be realised only through inclusive development, with every community enjoying equal rights and opportunities in education and other sectors. Tribal communities, he added, must never be looked down upon, and their identities, cultures and contributions must receive equal recognition and respect.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s tribute to Rani Gaidinliu during the national celebration, Khemchand Singh said she was not only the pride of Manipur but also of the entire nation. He stressed the importance of recognising the sacrifices and contributions of tribal freedom fighters, whose role in India’s freedom struggle deserved wider recognition.
The Chief Minister also informed that the Government of India had taken up a project to establish a museum in memory of Rani Gaidinliu near her birthplace. The project is being undertaken through an agency under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. He urged people to take pride in her legacy and preserve her contributions for future generations.
The programme began with the Chief Minister leading a two-minute silence in memory of those who lost their lives during the recent crisis in Manipur.
The celebration was organised by the Department of Tribal Affairs and Hills, Government of Manipur, along with the inaugural ceremony of the State-Level Tribal Cultural Festival.
As part of the programme, the Chief Minister distributed prizes to the winners of the Tribal Lens Photo Competition and the Tribal Frames Manipur 2026 Film Award, recognising their efforts in documenting and showcasing tribal life, culture and heritage.
He also sounded the ceremonial festival gong, formally declaring the State-Level Tribal Cultural Festival open, and visited exhibition stalls displaying the art, traditions, culture and heritage of Manipur’s tribal communities.
At the national level, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually participated in the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebration held at Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. During the programme, he inaugurated 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools, 100 Multipurpose Centres under PM-JANMAN, a Tribal Research Institute in Arunachal Pradesh and the Ropuiliani Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum at Kelsih, Mizoram, among other projects under PM-JANMAN and DAJGUA.
The Prime Minister also laid foundation stones for 19 Eklavya Model Residential Schools, 12 Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centres and 42 other projects.
The State-Level Tribal Cultural Festival, being held from November 15 to 18, will feature cultural performances and showcase the traditions, heritage, art and identity of Manipur’s tribal communities.
