Imphal: Manipur marked its 54th Statehood Day with a grand celebration at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, attended by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh as the chief guest.
The event featured a march-past parade, a general salute, and recognition of individuals for their outstanding contributions to the state.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the conferral of the Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned theatre personality Ratan Thiyam, celebrated for his immense contribution to promoting art and culture both nationally and internationally. The award included a citation, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹10 lakh.
The Chief Minister’s Commendation Award was also presented to three officers for their exceptional dedication to duty: Shivananda Surve (SP of Chandel), Manoj Prabhakar (SP of Kangpokpi), and the late Chingtham Anant Kumar, former SDPO, who was honored posthumously. In addition, commendation certificates were awarded to Assam’s Director General of Police and eight other police officers.
In his address, CM N. Biren Singh highlighted the state government’s commitment to peace, prosperity, and unity. He underscored that the future of Manipur depends on cooperation between the people and the government, emphasizing dialogue as key to resolving misunderstandings.
The Chief Minister also expressed concern about the lack of awareness regarding Manipur’s diverse ethnic makeup, noting that the state is home to 36 recognized tribes. To promote understanding, the government launched the book “Know Manipur,” aimed at educating the public about the state’s history, culture, and geography. He proposed integrating this knowledge into the school curriculum to foster greater cultural awareness.
Biren Singh further emphasized the government’s commitment to holistic development, stating that true progress goes beyond infrastructure. He highlighted key initiatives such as the Chief Minister gi Hakshel gi Tengbang, Health for All*, the School Fagathansi Mission, free coaching schemes, and the ongoing War on Drugs campaign.
The chief minister called on government employees to carry out their responsibilities with dedication and to serve in all regions of the state.
As part of the celebrations, two books, “Know Manipur” and “Good Governance,” were released to promote cultural awareness and administrative transparency.
The event concluded on a hopeful note, with CM N. Biren Singh expressing optimism for a united and prosperous Manipur, driven by the active participation of its citizens.
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