The Annual General Meeting and Social Gathering 2017 of the European Manipur Association (EMA) was recently held from 26th to 28th August at Coldblow Farm in the historic county of Kent, also known as the ‘Garden of England’ renowned for its rural beauty. Many people of Manipuri Diaspora who are currently living in Europe attended […]
The Annual General Meeting and Social Gathering 2017 of the European Manipur Association (EMA) was recently held from 26th to 28th August at Coldblow Farm in the historic county of Kent, also known as the ‘Garden of England’ renowned for its rural beauty. Many people of Manipuri Diaspora who are currently living in Europe attended […]
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2017/09/16th-annual-social-gathering-and-general-body-meeting-2017-of-the-ema-held/
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/03/meitei-wedding-in-sylhet-bangladesh/
Myanmar Gallery – Mandalay Manipuri Bamon Photo Credit: Khwairakpam Rakesh Khullakpa
Myanmar Gallery – Mandalay Manipuri Bamon Photo Credit: Khwairakpam Rakesh Khullakpa
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/01/myanmar-gallery-mandalay-manipuri-bamon/
“In times of adversity we really discover who we are and what were made of. “ – Howard Schultz. Adversity and misfortune is what Manipur is facing today. In
Volunteers of Disaster Relief Forum Manipur
“In times of adversity we really discover who we are and what were made of. “ – Howard Schultz. Adversity and misfortune is what Manipur is facing today. In the midst of a social crisis and imperiled livelihood for the poorest of the poor, Manipur was hit with the flood of the century. It has devastated several parts of the state washing away homes and villages. Many families and whole communities have been rendered homeless leaving them in desperate need of humanitarian support. In such a time of acute need, volunteers and common people has proven the true spirit of Manipuris’.
Among all the bad news coming out of Manipur, these are the glimmers of hope. When the photos of the massive flood taken by freelance photojournalists spread through the internet, the scale of the destruction became apparent to the world. Many good Samaritans in Manipur and elsewhere wanted to donate and help but they found no channels, either NGO or government, for disaster relief. Volunteers in Manipur took it upon themselves to help our brothers and sisters in need by raising funds, procuring essential goods and distributing humanitarian aid through any feasible means.
Inspired by the effort of the volunteers in Manipur, a group of friends who play football on weekends in Sunnyvale, California, got together to help in this effort in the only form they could by raising funds. Many had been contributing on their own through their leikais and family in Manipur. Manipuris and their friends from around the San Francisco Bay Area contributed generously and raised more than Rs 1.2 Lac. The collected funds were sent for immediate use to Flood Relief Manipur (FRM), Helping Hands Manipur (HHM) and Volunteers for Disaster Relief Forum(VDRF) to deliver relief, clean water and medicine. They shared ideas to field-assemble water filters using gravel, sand, charcoal and other common household goods both for home and community use in a sustainable way. While it is a drop in the ocean in light of the overwhelming need of the hour, these volunteer groups have transparency for their funds and every rupee reaches the needy.
San Francisco Bay Area Manipuri Community Flood Relief donation
It is unfortunate that there was no immediate massive mobilization of resources from the state and central government several days into this calamity. There has been no large-scale effort to assess and provide relief to those affected in far-flung areas in the critical days after such a major natural disaster. Volunteers on ground have highlighted the urgent need for aid in those areas that are cutoff from rest of the state. Roads and bridges have been washed away. We urge the state and central government to allocate all available resources to provide urgent relief, rehabilitation and in the reconstruction of roads and bridges.
We are in solidarity with the people affected by the recent flood. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We salute the volunteers on the ground from all parts of Manipur who have taken upon themselves to help those in need. We appreciate the efforts of fellow Manipuris around the world who came together in this global effort to aid the affected people.
Warm regards,
San Francisco Bay area Manipuri Community
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/san-francisco-bay-area-manipuri-community-and-friends-salute-flood-relief-volunteer-groups-and-freelance-photojournalists/
The 24th NAMA Annual Convention Report, 2015 The 24th annual convention of the North American Manipur Association (NAMA) marked the largest gathering in NAMA history with nearly 130 participants
The 24th NAMA Annual Convention Report, 2015
The 24th annual convention of the North American Manipur Association (NAMA) marked the largest gathering in NAMA history with nearly 130 participants in attendance. The annual NAMA conventions that take place every year at different locations providean opportunity for all the Manipuris living in North America to reconnect with friends and family and rekindle Manipuri tradition and culture. Manipurisacross North America gathered under one roof on July 3rd and 4that Washington, D.C., meeting one another, dressing up in traditional attire, joining in traditional song and dance, eating ethnic food, renewing old friendships and making new ones. Members in attendance traveled far and wide from many states in the USA, includingVirginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Texas, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida.
Friday July 3rd, 2015– Social Gathering at Rollins Congressional Club
The 24th NAMA Convention commenced with a social gathering at the Rollins Congressional Clubin Rockville, Maryland on Friday July 3rd, 2015 at 7:00 PM. The convention hall was jam-packed with men, children and traditionally dressed beautiful Manipuri women. The stage was set up with a Manipuri theme. An ethnic potluck was held by the DC Area families (Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC) in the evening. While the dinner was underway, NAMA t-shirts were sold. Romola Kshetrimayum and Monica Laishram sang songs and music was played by Nishi Asem, Martin Haobam, Sagar Sharma, and Chingkhei Akoijam. The slide show compiled by Naba Singhadisplaying the former NAMA members, activities and events was played on the projector. The gathering and the dinner concluded at 11:00 PM.
Saturday July 4th, 2015 – Main Event at Rollins Congressional Club
The main event took place on America’s Independence Day, the 4th of July. While Americans celebrated their independence, Manipuris in North America celebrated theirreunion at Washington D.C. The registration began at 9:00 AM on Saturday morningwhile breakfast was served. The Mistress of Ceremonies was Babyrani Yumnam. The event started with a welcome address by the President of NAMA, Amom Ruhikant Meetei. The welcome address was followed by an opening song “Ho Ima Poknapham Ima” by the President himself, Thoihen Heisnam, Monica Laishram, Prativa Amom and Prety Amom. After the song, the President extended a warm welcome to everyone present and appreciated their support for the association. The Presidenturged the members to continue providing support for future NAMA activities.
The President’s welcome speech was followed by the General Secretary’sactivity report. Hori Irombham, the General Secretary of NAMA discussed the activities accomplishedin the years 2013-14 & 2014-15. Horifurther attested to how NAMA is actively supporting several organizationsin Manipurthroughdonations and endorsementduring the pastyears. Lily Sharma, the Treasurer of NAMA, then presented the financial report for the years 2013-14 & 2014-15. According to the reportNAMA’s financial standing continues to grow.
Naba Singha, Delly Adhikarimayum, Lalit Pukhrambam, Surjalal Sharma, P Swornalata each presented a speech. The presenters discussed the evolution of NAMAand how the association has progressedsignificantly in terms of program development and membership size. The presenters also reiterated the history of Manipur and discussedhow Manipur became a part of India. The founders of NAMA were honored. The participants stood in silence for a minute in remembrance of NAMA members who have passed away.
The newly amended NAMA Constitution was distributed to the participants for their review. Upon strict review of the language, terms, laws and principles of the newly amended NAMA constitution, the members offered their approval. Once approved by the members, Dritha Kumar announced an official final approval of the new NAMA constitution.
Shilpa Phairembam Weiss, the Assistant General Secretary, as well as the main coordinator of the NAMA Excellence Award program unveiled the NAMA Excellence award program. Shilpa outlined that the award program is a new initiative that aims to reward and motivate the talented Manipuri students in North America who have excelled in the field of academics, sports and arts. There was a good turnout in the inaugural year and more applications are expected in the future.
The recipient of the 2015 Sports Excellence Award was Adam Laishram, son of Dr. Joy Laishram and Christina Laishram of Ontario, Canada. Adam is a national hockey player. He played for Team Ontario alongside some of the top NHL draft prospects in the league. Adam has achieved many prestigious awards and played at the international level representing Canada. The recipients of the 2015 NAMA Academic Excellence Award were:Prativa Amom, daughter of Amom Ruhikant Meetei and Kebola Wahengbam; and Bosco Chanam, son of Kulabidhu Chanam and Pramodini Chanam. Their applications were evaluated judiciously and the academic excellence award recipients were selected based on their academic performance, overall GPA, voluntary experience, and participation in extracurricular activities.
Once the awards were distributed, the Chief Guest, Maisnam Riten Kumar who currently works in India as a Superintendent Engineer/Director, Ministry of Road, Transport and Highway presented a speech. The Chief Guest expressed his joy of being there at the convention and appreciated the effort and time that NAMA has been giving for the betterment of ourManipuri community back at home as well as here in the States. There was a 1 hour lunch break after the Chief Guest’s speech.
Members assembled around 2:05 PM after the lunch togive their votes for the new 2015-2017 executive members. Listed below are the candidates that were elected:
The President, Amom Ruhikant Meetei,and the NAMA members congratulated the newly elected Executive members. The President elect, Lukhoi Shougaijam,presented the vote of thanks. Lukhoi thanked everyone for their attendance and appreciated the DC Area family for being a great host.
The cultural program began with a beautiful “Mangala Charran” performance by A Indrani Sharmi. The Mangala Charran was followed by a heart touching flute performance of the Indian National Anthem by Ridhi Chingakham. Noopur Singha then gave an amazing“Krishna Abhishar” dance performance. After the dance, there was a very cute drama based on a folk tale “Pebet Macha and Haudong Lamboiba.” The drama was performed by Naba Singha, Monica Ingudam, Marc, Magen, Darshil, and Langlen.
Amy Shougaijham played the American National Anthem on the piano. Lavani Laishram danced to fusion music. Langlen Heisnamsang the song “Chingda Satpi Eengelei”. Navya Asem presented Thougal Jagoi. Prety Amom sang the cover of the song“I Am Not the Only One”. Lilianne Pukhrambam played“Sentimental Saraband” on violin. Prativa Amom sang “Color of the Wind”. Monica Laishram also sang“Eigi Chenghi Manam.” The songs were followed by “Thoibi Jagoi” by A Indrani Sharmi, Linthoi Angom, Lily Sharma, Monica Ingudam, and Ebechaobi Laishangthem. Once the Thoibi Jagoi performance was done, Amom Ruhikant Meetei presented two songs “Nouribi” and “Hey Ima Manipur”. Airi Haobam sang “Let it go”. Prasana Kumar gave a classical sitar performance. Naba Singha and Chingkhei Akoijam also joined Prasana by playing drum and guitar.Therockensemblecomposed of Martin Haobam, Raj Chingakham, Nishi Asem, Sagar Sharma and Chingkhei Akoijam played several songs. The slide show compiled by Dillon Laishram was played on the projector.
Prativa Amom acknowledgedand awarded the children participants with a certificate of participation. After the certificate distribution, there was a “Leima Jagoi”performance by Kebola Wahengbam, Amom Prativa, Amom Prety, Ambrabati Adhikarimayum, Anju Aheibam, Lily Sharma, Priyadarshini Koijam, Khumanleima Laishram, Swornalata Takhellambam, Judy Sarungbam, and Linthoi Angom. Finally, allmen, women, and children irrespective of age and race gathered around, held hands together and danced happilyto the beat of the drums to a grand Thabal Chongba. This concluded the big event of the day successfully.
The2015 NAMA Convention was a perfect example of a close-knitted Manipuri community in North America. This gathering has also proved how well the Manipuri traditions have been practiced abroad. Abhishek Sanoujam and Geetanjali Laishram who attended the convention for the first time commented, “The convention is absolutely great! We feel like we are in our native place. The food tastes even better than the food we make in India. After long time, we even got an opportunity to participate in Thabal Chongba.Thanks to NAMA for inviting us.”
What made the convention even more interesting was the crowd that filled the room. People of different races and ages socialized and appreciated the beautiful culture of Manipur. Brian Weiss, American husband of Shilpa Phairembam Weiss stated, “The exposure to the richness of the Manipuri culture and the hospitality of the people made the weekend a great event to remember. The food was excellent, the performances were entertaining, and the Thabal Chongba was exhilarating. I look forward to next year!”
The NAMA Executive team would like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt “Thank You!”to everyone who has attended the convention. The phenomenal success of the convention is a reflection of the ever-increasing dedication and enthusiasm the members display. Special thanksgoes to the DC Area Families who hosted the program and arranged the potluck. The Executive team hopes for a continued support from the members and are glad that they are able to help people back at home and here in North America. If you have any questions for NAMA or would like to contact the executive team, please contact them at namagroups@gmail.com.They look forward to seeing you at next year’s convention!
(The press release has been sent by NAMA. They can be reached at namagroups@gmail.com)
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/24th-nama-convention-held-in-rockville-maryland/
The 24th NAMA Annual Convention Report, 2015 The 24th annual convention of the North American Manipur Association (NAMA) marked the largest gathering in NAMA history with nearly 130 participants
The 24th NAMA Annual Convention Report, 2015
The 24th annual convention of the North American Manipur Association (NAMA) marked the largest gathering in NAMA history with nearly 130 participants in attendance. The annual NAMA conventions that take place every year at different locations providean opportunity for all the Manipuris living in North America to reconnect with friends and family and rekindle Manipuri tradition and culture. Manipurisacross North America gathered under one roof on July 3rd and 4that Washington, D.C., meeting one another, dressing up in traditional attire, joining in traditional song and dance, eating ethnic food, renewing old friendships and making new ones. Members in attendance traveled far and wide from many states in the USA, includingVirginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Texas, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida.
Friday July 3rd, 2015– Social Gathering at Rollins Congressional Club
The 24th NAMA Convention commenced with a social gathering at the Rollins Congressional Clubin Rockville, Maryland on Friday July 3rd, 2015 at 7:00 PM. The convention hall was jam-packed with men, children and traditionally dressed beautiful Manipuri women. The stage was set up with a Manipuri theme. An ethnic potluck was held by the DC Area families (Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC) in the evening. While the dinner was underway, NAMA t-shirts were sold. Romola Kshetrimayum and Monica Laishram sang songs and music was played by Nishi Asem, Martin Haobam, Sagar Sharma, and Chingkhei Akoijam. The slide show compiled by Naba Singhadisplaying the former NAMA members, activities and events was played on the projector. The gathering and the dinner concluded at 11:00 PM.
Saturday July 4th, 2015 – Main Event at Rollins Congressional Club
The main event took place on America’s Independence Day, the 4th of July. While Americans celebrated their independence, Manipuris in North America celebrated theirreunion at Washington D.C. The registration began at 9:00 AM on Saturday morningwhile breakfast was served. The Mistress of Ceremonies was Babyrani Yumnam. The event started with a welcome address by the President of NAMA, Amom Ruhikant Meetei. The welcome address was followed by an opening song “Ho Ima Poknapham Ima” by the President himself, Thoihen Heisnam, Monica Laishram, Prativa Amom and Prety Amom. After the song, the President extended a warm welcome to everyone present and appreciated their support for the association. The Presidenturged the members to continue providing support for future NAMA activities.
The President’s welcome speech was followed by the General Secretary’sactivity report. Hori Irombham, the General Secretary of NAMA discussed the activities accomplishedin the years 2013-14 & 2014-15. Horifurther attested to how NAMA is actively supporting several organizationsin Manipurthroughdonations and endorsementduring the pastyears. Lily Sharma, the Treasurer of NAMA, then presented the financial report for the years 2013-14 & 2014-15. According to the reportNAMA’s financial standing continues to grow.
Naba Singha, Delly Adhikarimayum, Lalit Pukhrambam, Surjalal Sharma, P Swornalata each presented a speech. The presenters discussed the evolution of NAMAand how the association has progressedsignificantly in terms of program development and membership size. The presenters also reiterated the history of Manipur and discussedhow Manipur became a part of India. The founders of NAMA were honored. The participants stood in silence for a minute in remembrance of NAMA members who have passed away.
The newly amended NAMA Constitution was distributed to the participants for their review. Upon strict review of the language, terms, laws and principles of the newly amended NAMA constitution, the members offered their approval. Once approved by the members, Dritha Kumar announced an official final approval of the new NAMA constitution.
Shilpa Phairembam Weiss, the Assistant General Secretary, as well as the main coordinator of the NAMA Excellence Award program unveiled the NAMA Excellence award program. Shilpa outlined that the award program is a new initiative that aims to reward and motivate the talented Manipuri students in North America who have excelled in the field of academics, sports and arts. There was a good turnout in the inaugural year and more applications are expected in the future.
The recipient of the 2015 Sports Excellence Award was Adam Laishram, son of Dr. Joy Laishram and Christina Laishram of Ontario, Canada. Adam is a national hockey player. He played for Team Ontario alongside some of the top NHL draft prospects in the league. Adam has achieved many prestigious awards and played at the international level representing Canada. The recipients of the 2015 NAMA Academic Excellence Award were:Prativa Amom, daughter of Amom Ruhikant Meetei and Kebola Wahengbam; and Bosco Chanam, son of Kulabidhu Chanam and Pramodini Chanam. Their applications were evaluated judiciously and the academic excellence award recipients were selected based on their academic performance, overall GPA, voluntary experience, and participation in extracurricular activities.
Once the awards were distributed, the Chief Guest, Maisnam Riten Kumar who currently works in India as a Superintendent Engineer/Director, Ministry of Road, Transport and Highway presented a speech. The Chief Guest expressed his joy of being there at the convention and appreciated the effort and time that NAMA has been giving for the betterment of ourManipuri community back at home as well as here in the States. There was a 1 hour lunch break after the Chief Guest’s speech.
Members assembled around 2:05 PM after the lunch togive their votes for the new 2015-2017 executive members. Listed below are the candidates that were elected:
The President, Amom Ruhikant Meetei,and the NAMA members congratulated the newly elected Executive members. The President elect, Lukhoi Shougaijam,presented the vote of thanks. Lukhoi thanked everyone for their attendance and appreciated the DC Area family for being a great host.
The cultural program began with a beautiful “Mangala Charran” performance by A Indrani Sharmi. The Mangala Charran was followed by a heart touching flute performance of the Indian National Anthem by Ridhi Chingakham. Noopur Singha then gave an amazing“Krishna Abhishar” dance performance. After the dance, there was a very cute drama based on a folk tale “Pebet Macha and Haudong Lamboiba.” The drama was performed by Naba Singha, Monica Ingudam, Marc, Magen, Darshil, and Langlen.
Amy Shougaijham played the American National Anthem on the piano. Lavani Laishram danced to fusion music. Langlen Heisnamsang the song “Chingda Satpi Eengelei”. Navya Asem presented Thougal Jagoi. Prety Amom sang the cover of the song“I Am Not the Only One”. Lilianne Pukhrambam played“Sentimental Saraband” on violin. Prativa Amom sang “Color of the Wind”. Monica Laishram also sang“Eigi Chenghi Manam.” The songs were followed by “Thoibi Jagoi” by A Indrani Sharmi, Linthoi Angom, Lily Sharma, Monica Ingudam, and Ebechaobi Laishangthem. Once the Thoibi Jagoi performance was done, Amom Ruhikant Meetei presented two songs “Nouribi” and “Hey Ima Manipur”. Airi Haobam sang “Let it go”. Prasana Kumar gave a classical sitar performance. Naba Singha and Chingkhei Akoijam also joined Prasana by playing drum and guitar.Therockensemblecomposed of Martin Haobam, Raj Chingakham, Nishi Asem, Sagar Sharma and Chingkhei Akoijam played several songs. The slide show compiled by Dillon Laishram was played on the projector.
Prativa Amom acknowledgedand awarded the children participants with a certificate of participation. After the certificate distribution, there was a “Leima Jagoi”performance by Kebola Wahengbam, Amom Prativa, Amom Prety, Ambrabati Adhikarimayum, Anju Aheibam, Lily Sharma, Priyadarshini Koijam, Khumanleima Laishram, Swornalata Takhellambam, Judy Sarungbam, and Linthoi Angom. Finally, allmen, women, and children irrespective of age and race gathered around, held hands together and danced happilyto the beat of the drums to a grand Thabal Chongba. This concluded the big event of the day successfully.
The2015 NAMA Convention was a perfect example of a close-knitted Manipuri community in North America. This gathering has also proved how well the Manipuri traditions have been practiced abroad. Abhishek Sanoujam and Geetanjali Laishram who attended the convention for the first time commented, “The convention is absolutely great! We feel like we are in our native place. The food tastes even better than the food we make in India. After long time, we even got an opportunity to participate in Thabal Chongba.Thanks to NAMA for inviting us.”
What made the convention even more interesting was the crowd that filled the room. People of different races and ages socialized and appreciated the beautiful culture of Manipur. Brian Weiss, American husband of Shilpa Phairembam Weiss stated, “The exposure to the richness of the Manipuri culture and the hospitality of the people made the weekend a great event to remember. The food was excellent, the performances were entertaining, and the Thabal Chongba was exhilarating. I look forward to next year!”
The NAMA Executive team would like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt “Thank You!”to everyone who has attended the convention. The phenomenal success of the convention is a reflection of the ever-increasing dedication and enthusiasm the members display. Special thanksgoes to the DC Area Families who hosted the program and arranged the potluck. The Executive team hopes for a continued support from the members and are glad that they are able to help people back at home and here in North America. If you have any questions for NAMA or would like to contact the executive team, please contact them at namagroups@gmail.com.They look forward to seeing you at next year’s convention!
(The press release has been sent by NAMA. They can be reached at namagroups@gmail.com)
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/24th-nama-convention-held-in-rockville-maryland/
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IMPHAL, Jan 31: Manipuri Diaspora Association, Delhi expresses its profound joy and happiness on the conferment of Ati Vishist Seva Medal by the President of India to Major General Konsam Himalaya Singh, YSM, in recognition of his distinguished service in … Continue reading →
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IMPHAL, Jan 31: Manipuri Diaspora Association, Delhi expresses its profound joy and happiness on the conferment of Ati Vishist Seva Medal by the President of India to Major General Konsam Himalaya Singh, YSM, in recognition of his distinguished service in the army.
Sh.Himalay is an active member of the Manipuri Diaspora who always inspire the other members, said a press release of the association.
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Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/01/diaspora-applauds-maj-general/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=diaspora-applauds-maj-general
