The 36th observance of Drivers’ Day was marked today at the Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul, Imphal, with tributes paid to drivers who have passed away, recognizing their sacrifices and vital contributions to the state’s transport sector.
Organized annually by the Manipur Drivers’ Association (MDA), the event drew drivers from across the state, along with representatives of truck owners and workers’ unions. The gathering was hosted by Yumnam Khemchand Singh, BJP MLA from Singjamei and former Speaker of the Manipur Assembly, underlining the event’s political and social significance. Special invitees included Saikhom Babudhon Meitei, MDA President; Dr. Dhanabir Laishram, social scientist; Wangkhemcha Shamjai, ex-president of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union; Deaikho Sani, President of the Senapati District Truck Owners’ Association; Sande Loli, President of the Senapati District Truck Drivers’ Union; and Anil Khawas, President of the All Manipur Gorkha Truck Drivers’ and Owners’ Association.
The program paid homage to deceased drivers through floral tributes and gifts presented to retirees and the families of those who lost their lives, reinforcing the community’s recognition of the risks and hardships inherent in the profession. Drivers’ Day, observed statewide on January 14, also includes events at MG Avenue by the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers’ & Motor Workers’ Union and at ISBT Khuman Lampak, reflecting the profession’s wide-ranging presence and influence.
Over the years, Drivers’ Day has served not only as a commemoration but also as a platform for raising welfare demands. Past observances, occasionally accompanied by strikes, have demonstrated drivers’ leverage in Manipur’s transport-dependent economy, highlighting issues of safety, fair wages, and working conditions.
The participation of political leaders like Yumnam Khemchand Singh emphasizes ongoing engagement with transport workers, particularly in a state marked by ethnic diversity and occasional tensions. The involvement of associations representing the Senapati district and Gorkha communities underscores inclusivity across districts and ethnic lines, fostering solidarity within the sector.
By bringing together drivers, union leaders, and policymakers, today’s event served both as a remembrance of past sacrifices and as a reminder of the continuing challenges faced by drivers in Manipur, including road safety, socio-economic security, and recognition of their indispensable role in the state’s connectivity and commerce.