Fitting tributes paid to Gen Balram

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, May 2 : Rich tributes were paid to General Balram on his 133rd death anniversary at Moirangkhom Sougaijam Leikai today.
Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Satyabrata and many other dignitaries paid floral tributes at the bust of General Balram during the death anniversary function organised by Radhavinod Sevait Board.
Speaking on the occasion, Th Satyabrata said that General Balram was not only a brave military commander who took active roles in the fight against Burmese invaders during the Seven Years’ Devastation but was also a skilful administrator.
It is not enough to just remember and pay tributes to these heroes. It is more important to focus on upholding the idea of united Manipur which was built by the heroes with their blood and sweat, Satyabrata said.
He appealed to the present generation to follow the footsteps of those heroes and take pro-active roles in building a prosperous Manipur.
Saying that he would suggest the State Government to commemorate the death anniversary of General Balram as a State function, the Speaker vowed that he would make all efforts to open a library at Sougaijam Leikai and name Moirangkhom Keithel in the name of General Balram.
Sougaijam Tombi and Professor Naorem Joykumar too attended the death anniversary function as president and guest of honour respectively.
Former rebel leader RK Meghen too paid floral tributes to General Balram.    
He highlighted the importance of organising events and functions which can instill a sense of patriotism among the younger generations at local clubs, schools and colleges.
Noting that incidence of organising Patriots’ Day function at local clubs has been declining these days, Meghen lamented that such functions are now seen as the Government’s sole responsibility.
Historical records say that General Balram was first recruited as a sepoy in the Manipur Levy when Manipur was passing through a critical phase, Meghen said.
Balram fought under Maharaj Gambhir Singh and took active roles in the fight to liberate Manipur from the hands of Burma. Later, he went on to become a Major General and shouldered huge responsibilities for the Nation, Meghen continued. General Balram was not only a brave military commander but also a well known leader of the time, he said.
Any study into the lives of the past heroes of Manipur reveals that the indigenous communities of Manipur shared a very close relationship.
“If we can restore and promote this close relationship, all the communities of Manipur can be brought together and share a collective vision”, Meghen asserted.  
Historians ought to ensure that the people know about the lives of those heroes of the past and their contributions to the Nation. At the same time, the Sate Government must also do what is expected of it, he said.
Apart from material development, leading the public on the right path is another foremost duty of the Government, Meghen added.