Samadhi to be developed as historical site

Rich tributes paid to Maharaj Gambhir Singh on death anniversary

IMPHAL | Jan 9 (DIPR)

Chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh today promised to develop the Samadhi of Maharaja Gambhir Singh, located at Langthabal as a historical site. He made the promise during the 184th death anniversary observance of Maharaja Gambhir Singh held at the Samadhi.

The observance was organised by state archaeology, department of art and culture.

Speaking as chief guest, Biren Singh said a museum would also be developed inside the premises of the Samadhi to enlighten the youths and present generation about the supreme sacrifices made by our forefathers during the Seven Years Devastation (1819-1826) to liberate Manipur.

He asked the concerned minister and officials of the art and culture department to discuss with a reputed international firm or consultant for the development and beautification of the place.

He also urged the department to install the statues of Nara Singh and Herachandra as well inside the Samadi of Maharaja Gambhir Singh.

The chief minister directed the department to consult historians and subject experts and to prepare a blue print and detailed project report for the development of the Samadhi.

“The prepared project report should be submitted to the planning department. If the project needs more money, then the government would approach NEC or NLCPR,” added the chief minister.

Biren said we should feel proud about the supreme sacrifices and valour made by Maharaja Gambhir Singh, Nara Singh and Herachandra for the liberation of Manipur from the clutches of the Burmese following the Seven Years Devastation.

He mentioned that history is a fact which can be neither manipulated nor distorted by us. “History taught us a lesson that disunity among ourselves was the main reason for the invasion by the foreign powers. If we want a united Manipur then we should leave aside the greed and selfish desires,” he added.

The chief minister said politicians would never succeed if they do not possess the nationalistic characteristics. If they possess such quality then there would be visible changes in the state, he added.

He further maintained that they should be able to make sacrifice and commitment for the welfare, development and prosperity of the state. Those who don’t have patriotic feeling and love for the country wouldn’t do anything good for the people and society at large, he added.

He appealed to the people of the state to leave aside the idea of self-interest but rather think for inclusive growth and development. He urged them to do some productive work together to bring some positive changes in the state rather wasting precious time.

The chief minister led others in paying floral tributes to the portraits of Maharaja Gambhir Singh and Nara Singh. A contingent of Manipur Rifles offered guard of honour and observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to Gambhir Singh, Nara Singh and others.

Minister for art and culture L. Jayantakumar Singh in his presidential speech said the role of the government is to protect the territorial integrity and to uphold the sovereignty of the state. It is the responsibility of the government to work for the welfare of the people of the state.

The government needs love, support and participation of the people to bring inclusive development in the state. Every issue can be resolved through dialogues, he added.

Minister for CAF and PD Karam Shyam, minister for education Th. Radheshyam, chairman MANIDCO Dr. Y. Radheshyam, MLAs S. Subhaschandra, P. Brojen, S. Bira Singh, Y. Surchandra, L. Susindro Meitei, top civil and police officials and others attended the function.