A memorial programme commemorating freedom fighter Athouba Pukhrambam Kajao of Langbal Police Station Lakpada was held at Awang Thakta, Kamong Maning Leikai, along with a literary programme featuring the release of a book titled Lamitlon, authored by Heramani Khuman.
Speaking on the occasion, Joychandra Konthoujam said a nation could not preserve its identity and progress without people who were willing to make sacrifices for the country. He said the sacrifices made by the forefathers of the Meitei community should not be forgotten.
Joychandra said fear has existed throughout human history, but those who emerge as great personalities are people who rise above fear and act decisively when their people and land are threatened. He said Manipur would not have survived as it is today without the sacrifices made by such individuals.
Referring to Athouba Kajao, he described him as an example of a person who stood against oppression without fear and left behind a lasting legacy through his courage and sacrifice.
He also recalled the sacrifices of several other historical figures who fought for the land and its people, saying their contributions had become an integral part of Manipur’s history. He cited the resistance against British rule, including the killing of a British officer and subsequent efforts to defend the dignity and independence of the land, as examples of the sacrifices that shaped Manipur’s history.
Joychandra said many such courageous individuals had sacrificed their lives at different points in history and that their contributions should serve as a source of strength for the present generation.
He warned that if people failed to recognise and preserve the historical sacrifices associated with Manipur, the land could gradually lose its distinct identity. He said the younger generation must understand the significance of the sacrifices made by figures such as Athouba Kajao.
Joychandra also appealed to the public to treat memorial observances organised by the Athouba Kajao Memorial Trust and the Justice Committee as opportunities to reflect on the sacrifices made for the land and to reaffirm the responsibility of preserving its identity and dignity.