Indira Gandhi’s leadership recalled on birth centenary

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 19

Qaumi Ekta Diwas was observed on the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, at Congress Bawan today organised by the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee.

The programme began with floral tribute paid to the portrait of Indira Gandhi followed by oath taking ceremony. Leaders of the Congress party took part in today’s ceremony.

In his speech on the occasion, former chief minister O. Ibobi Singh said, “We are celebrating her birth anniversary not just for the purpose of remembrance of her birth anniversary, but also for the sacrifice and remarkable role she played during her tenure as Prime Minister.”

He elaborated some of the unforgettable incidents that occurred during her period and the manner she handled it. “It was during her regime that Bangladesh liberation war was fought and she extended full support for the liberation of the former from Pakistan. After two decades of independence from British rule, Privy Purse which was considered as one of the illegal practice in democratic India was also removed,” he added.

When it comes to Northeastern State, new states like Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh were formed out of Assam

Manipur also got statehood in her time, he pointed out.

Highlighting the present situation of Manipur, the former chief minister said, “If every individual follows the ideology of secularism which Indira Gandhi fought for and adopted in Indian Constitution, the problem of ethnic disintegration may not occur.”

Member of Parliament, Th. Meina who also spoke on the occasion said, “Her commitment includes secularism, women empowerment, propagation of unity and integrity and so on.  Hence we cannot consider Indira Gandhi as a political leader only but also as a revolutionary with long – term vision.”

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president, TN Haokip recalled the life story of Indira Gandhi. He lauded Indira Gandhi as the most well trained politician in the world and the only Indian politician who was well versed in Northeastern states of India.

We all aware about the initiatives taken up by Mrs Gandhi for the upliftment of women’s status in India, said general secretary MPCC Bidyapati Senjam. “Because of her dedication women get the opportunity to utilize their franchise and contest election”, he added.

As a symbol of giving gratitude, members of MPCC distributed

essential commodities at women home of All Manipur Women Association, Purana Rajbari in connection with 100th anniversary of the late Prime Minister.