History Club Dmca

On 22nd December 2025, the History Club of D.M. College of Arts organised an educational visit to the RKCS Art Gallery and Museum in Imphal. We visited the gallery to understand the history and culture of Manipur through art. It was an educational and inspiring visit for all the members of history club.

The gallery is dedicated to Rajkumar Chandrajitsana Singh (RKCS), a legendary artist of Manipur who lived from 1924 to 2004. He was a renowned painter who presented the history, culture, and traditions of Manipur to the world through his paintings.

When we reached the gallery, we met Oja Budhimanta, the son of RKCS. At that time, he was engaged in painting. On seeing us, he warmly welcomed us and interacted with us in a friendly and encouraging manner. He motivated us and gave valuable advice about our future careers, encouraging us to focus on learning, gaining more knowledge, and research, especially as students of history.

Oja Budhimanta also spoke about his father, RKCS, and explained how he established the art gallery. He told us that in his early career, RKCS undertook commissioned and commercial painting works, but in the later part of his life, he decided to dedicate his hard work to the service of Manipur. Through his paintings, RKCS wanted to present the history, culture, traditions, and identity of Manipur to people within and outside the state.

RKCS belonged to a family of artists and created more than 10,000 paintings during his lifetime. His paintings cover many subjects such as Manipuri history, mythology, folk stories, culture, and important social and political events. Each painting clearly reflects the life and traditions of Manipur.

The RKCS Art Gallery was founded in 1990 by RKCS himself. Earlier, the paintings were displayed in his living room, and since 2003, the gallery has been functioning as a museum. Today, it is one of the most important tourist attractions in Manipur.

RKCS also holds a national record for organising the largest exhibition by a single artist. His name was included in the Limca Book of Records in 1994. He was honoured with the title “Fellow” by the Manipur State Kala Akademy and later received the title “Chitrakala Ratna” posthumously in 2005.

After the interaction, Oja Budhimanta guided us through the painting exhibition rooms and explained the artworks in detail. He described the historical events shown in the paintings, which helped us understand history through visual representation.

During the visit, we observed many significant and historically meaningful paintings displayed in the gallery. These included paintings depicting Manipuri cultural dances, Nupi Lal, and scenes of village life, which reflected the social and cultural life of the people. We also saw paintings of historical and legendary figures such as Princess Sanatombi, Likon Sanaba, and a female bride, representing traditional customs and folklore. Important historical events were portrayed through paintings such as Khongjom Lal, the ex*****on of Tikendrajit and Thangal General (Phasi), and the Jila Darbar journey of Maharaja Chandrakriti on an elephant, highlighting royal traditions and political history. The gallery also displayed paintings related to the Kandot Expedition, the Kohima Expedition showing major military events. In addition, we observed miniature paintings created on small and unusual surfaces, demonstrating the exceptional skill and creativity of the artist, along with many other artworks that could not be mentioned individually.

The visit helped us understand the history and culture of Manipur in a meaningful and visual manner. The paintings were highly realistic and informative, allowing us to connect historical events with artistic representation. The visit was educational, inspiring, and enjoyable, and it significantly enhanced our respect for Manipuri heritage. It also helped us realise the importance of art as a powerful medium for preserving history and cultural identity. Overall, the visit enriched our historical knowledge and encouraged us to appreciate and protect the rich cultural legacy of Manipur.

The History Club has completed its one-year journey today, 11 December 2025, since its formal establishment on 11 December 2024. During this year, the Club has organised a series of educational activities, including lecture programmes, visits to historical places, and the observance of various important historical events.

On the First Foundation Day of the History Club, we organised a visit to BB Paul Mental Development Home, Mongsangei, which is a school for people with disabilities . We spent the afternoon interacting with the teachers and the students of the school. The students warmly showcased their talents, including singing and yoga demonstrations. It was a truly wholesome and enriching experience for all of us, and today we are happy to share this experience with everyone.

We Cordially Invite You All To The 86th OBSERVANCE OF NUPI LAN, 2025
Organised By History Club D.M. College of Arts

With a Lecture on

"Understanding the Impact of Nupi Lan on Manipur's Society & Politics"

Date: 12/12/2025

Time: 11:00 A.M.

Venue: Room No. 102,.P.G.

On 22nd November 2025, History Club of the Department of History, D.M. College of Arts, Imphal visited the historic Pettigrew Junior High School located at Singjamei Mathak Thokchom Leikai, Imphal to take part in the observance of World Heritage Week organized by Manipur State Archaeology.

The State Archaeology Deaprtment, which is observing the World Heritage Week from November 19 to 25, organized a programme as a part of its 'mobile exhibition' at the historic school campus. Placards of various monuments of India and Manipur were exhibited with details.

The event organized included painting and quiz competitions, in addition to cultural activities for the school children. It was arranged with an aim to create awareness on protecting and preserving the cultural, archaeological and historical monuments and sites to the students and the teachers of the school.

The History Club was invited by the Manipur State Archaeology to take part in the event. We interacted with the teaching staff of the school and the State Archaeology, including K. Shashikant Sharma, the Superintendent of Manipur State Archaeology and Dr. Sujata Devi, Assistant Archaeologist. The Superintendent gave a short speech highlighting the significance of observing the World Heritage Week.

It may be mentioned that as a part of the observance of the World Heritage Week 2025, the Department has been arranging mobile exhibition. It was flagged off by H. Gyan Prakash, Commissioner of the Department of Arts & Culture, at the office of the State Archaeology at Kangla.

Speaking at the event, Prakash had expressed that our forefathers had handed down valuable legacies to us, which need protection and preservation. These assets help felicitate the different communities connect with their history, and foster a sense of identity, and provide educational opportunities for the future generations.

The Department has so far identified 65 archaeological sites in the State, and it has been protecting the sites. However, the common people do not know most of these sites. Therefore, the Department had taken up the mobile exhibition to raise awareness to the people of the State, he added.

History Club of Department of History, D.M. College of Arts, Imphal

A Brief History of the Pettigrew Jr. High School

Besides participating in the observance of the World Heritage Week, History Club was interested to know more about this historic school. Interestingly, the school observed its Quasquicentennial Jubilee or its 125th Anniversary in 2019. The school was established as a primary school in 1894 by Reverend William Pettigrew (1869-1943), an educationist and Scottish-British Christian missionary.

He reached Imphal in the early part of 1894. It’s worth noting that Pettigrew reached Calcutta in 1890, worked under the Ardington Missionary, and engaged in missionary activities among the Bengalis. While working with the Baptist missionary in Dacca, he heard about the massacre of the British officers in Manipur in 1891.

He decided to work in Manipur, but he was denied permission by the then Political Agent, Major H. St. P. Maxwell (1891-93/1895-96/1899-1902). It was the then officiating Political Agent, A. Porteous, Esq., ICS (1893-95/1898-99) who granted the permission to Pettigrew to enter Manipur.

Pettigrew Junior High School was established first as an LP School. It was one of the earliest primary schools established during the colonial period. The School is now upgraded to Junior High School. The original school building has been replaced by modern pucca building, the class-rooms are student-friendly.

There are an adequate number of teachers. Sadly, it has just around 40 students. It was established 9 years after the establishment of Johnstone Middle School (now Higher Secondary School) by Sir James Johnstone in 1885. Pettigrew also set up a Girls' LP School at Moirangkhom in 1899.

Reverend Pettigrew further made immense contribution in the spread of western education in Manipur. The British authorities sought his service in the establishment, management and preparing books of the schools. Pettigrew served as the honorary Head Master of the Johnstone Middle School (without taking salary) from 1894 to 1896.

Further, he also worked as honorary Inspector of School for 7 years. As he took up missionary activities, he was forced by the then Political Agent, Major Maxwell, to leave Imphal and work in Ukhrul. The devout Hindu Meeteis had detested his missionary activities in the valley, and complained to the king. At Hunpung, he set up a school in 1897 and engaged in his missionary activities.

Superintendent of State Archaeology Department giving speech on observance of World Heritage Week

A leaflet given by the Head Mistress of the school provides some information on the history of the school and about Pettigrew's contribution to the spread of modern education in the State. An extract is given below:

"Reverend William Pettigrew na Manipurda lakningkhibagi wakhal amadi school lingkhatpagi thabak asi matou karamna magi thamoida phourakhibano haiba asini...Pettigrew 1869 January tang 5 da Scotland gi Edinburgh ta pokhi. Scottish machani. Mahakna Manipur da school 3 lingkhatlammi. Ahanbana Pettigrew Lower Primary School, 1894 May 7, anisubada Ukhrul gi Hunpung da 1897 February 19, ahumsubada Moirangkhom Balika (Girls) Lower Primary School, 1899 December thadani.

Pettigrew na Manipurda maru oina chatningbagi maram mayamgi manungda amadi 1891 March 24 da British Officer sing Kangla mamangda hatkhiba thoudok adu mahakna Dacca da leiringeida tabadagi Manipur da chungningbagi ethil ama lakhi. Aduna maram oiraduna mahakna Manipur chatnaba hotnakhi. Adubu matam dugi Political Agent, Major Maxwell na athingba pibadagi Pettigrew na Silchar da leikhi.

1893 dagi 1895 fouba Major Maxwell na chute leiringeigi marakta officiating Political Agent oina lakhiba mahakkasu yamna kupna kangnaba A. Porteous na Manipur chungbagi ayaba pibadagi 1894 February 6 ta Pettigrew Imphal da thunglakhi. Adubu mahakna touge haina khallaga lakpa Missionary gi thabakti (Manipur State) Durbar na ayaba piramde, ningba kaikhi.

Durbar na mahei masing tambagi thabak amadi madugi achangba kharaj tounabagi wapham houdokhi. Panthaba toudana Pettigrew na Singjamei Mathak Thokchom Leikai ngasigi school asimaktada 1894 May 7 kalengi nini panba ningthoukaba numitta maheiroi 50 muk ming chanduna lingkhatkhi.

Hindu leininggi khamthengba marakta lairik tamba manggi, nupi machasingbu English tambiraga mireibakta pukharagani haiba toknga kayagi mathakta Christian laining paksanna sandorakkani haibagi akiba maigei asomgi miyamgi pukningda foukhi amadi Durbarda wakat kaya thangatuna missionary gi thabak- thouram amata toudanaba haijakhi.

Dharmagi oiba mityeng kaya leijaragasu Manipurgi leimaida miramdagi lakpa Scottish-British macha Pettigrew na education gi lamda touramba achouba dan asigidi thagattaba ngamloi."

Pettigrew wrote Manipuri primers, Grammar, basic Arithmetic and English-Bengali-Manipuri Dictionary, including Manipuri (Mitei) Grammar with Illustrative Sentences and Tangkhul Naga Grammar and Dictionary.

He also translated the New Testament into Tangkhul dialect, and published in 1926.

For his linguistic studies and translations, he was honoured as member of the British and Foreign Bible Society in 1928, and also elected as Member of the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1930. He returned to England in March 1933, and passed away on 10th April 1943.

On 20th November 2025, the History Club of D.M. College of Arts organised a visit to Oja Somorjit’s Library, giving students a meaningful opportunity to explore valuable historical resources and understand the importance of archival preservation in Manipur.
This visit was specifically arranged to help students engage closely with research materials, rare documents, and scholarly collections that are essential for historical study.

The visit began with an introduction by Sir Somojit, who guided the entire session and explained the importance of archives in understanding the past. His explanations helped students understand why archival preservation is essential for researchers, academicians, and future generations.

Students observed rare books, research collections, old newspapers, manuscripts, and government records that offer valuable insights into the region’s historical development.
Sir Somojit explained how digital scanning and cataloguing help convert fragile materials into digital form, making them easier to access while keeping the originals safe. This gave students a deeper understanding of modern archival techniques and the scientific processes behind document conservation.

Students learned how scholars make use of these materials to conduct research and contribute to academic knowledge. The visit encouraged students to appreciate the value of primary sources and the responsibility of protecting historical evidence.

The visit was informative, engaging, and inspiring, giving members of the History Club a rare chance to study original materials and appreciate the dedication required to maintain historical collections.
The History Club expresses sincere gratitude to Oja Somorjit for the guidance, time, and for making this educational visit possible.

Imphal, October 14, 2025: Houkhiba October gi tang 8 da chahi 80 hellaba Shillong da leiba Redlands - Manipur Rajbari chayetnaba maongda thugaikhiba asina Manipur gi puwarida achouba saphu ama piri. Loinana, tungda lakkadouriba meerol kayana matam sangna leihounabagidamakta khallaga nouna semdok sadoknaba sidokkhibani haina Planning & Development Authority (PDA), Manipur na phongdorakkhiba warol manung hutna yengsinbagi tangaiphadabagi mami chaona tari. Thouong asigi matangda Manipur Government ki maikeidagi lakliba response ki maong amadi renovation khaktamak tougani hairaga mapung oina Manipur Rajbari sidoklambani haiba Shillong Manipuri Students' Union gi wapham kaya asina meeyamda wahang kaya hanghallari. Masimakna Manipur Rajbari sidoklambagi thouong asi History Club, D.M College of Arts na strongly condemn touwi.

Redlands - Manipur Rajbari asi 1927 da Maharaja Churachand gi sana haktakta British Government na Maharaja ki "English Bye" (Inglesby) haina kouba chaoraba complex aduga khutsinnakhibani. Maharaja Churachand gi machanupi atombi Maharajkumari Binodini Redlands asida leiduna mahei tamlakkhi. Maharajkumari Binodini bu yengsinnabagi thoudang Konthoujam Paramananda da sinnakhi. Matam asidagi houna Paramananda amadi mahakki emung Redlands ki campus ta leiba yumjao amada leikhi. Maharaja Bodhachandra gi sana haktakta Redlands pu yengsinbagi thoudang Konthoujam Paramananda da sinnakhi. Paramananda na leikhidraba matungda mahakki loinabi Smt. Sovasini amadi Chandam Phanindra na Redlands yengsinbagi thoudang louduna lakkhibani.

Meeyamda henna khoisaonaba pokhanlibadi 1949 gi September 21 da Manipur Rajbari asimaktada Maharaja Bodhachandra bu numit marini chupna house arrest touduna Indian Government ki maikeida Manipur Merger Agreement toukhiba loinana chahi asigi October 15 da Manipur bu Indian Union da tilhankhiba thoudoksing asini. Controversial oiriba Merger Agreement asigi khudam oiriba Manipur Rajbari aronba thouong amada sidokkhiba asina Manipur gi puwari gi maruoiba lamai muthatlibra haibagi achouba wahang hanghalli amadi meepaiba pokhalli haibada haimanba thokloi.

Ningsingba yabadi 1980 da Maharaja Bodhachandra gi machanupa Okendra na B.K Roy Choudhury kouba meeoi amaga mannaduna Nismit Laloo amadi J. Pyngrope anida Redlands Lakh marida yanaduna yonthokkhi. Record ki matung inna lakh 2 khutsinnaduna leiramba thengnakhi. Masigi maiyokta 1980 da Smt. Sovasini na court ta case thanggatkhi. Manipur Rajbari gi asengba mapham ama khangba ngamdana leiruraba matung 1994 da Manipur Government na case file toukhi. Konnathangda 2021 gi August 12 ta waroisin purakpa ngamkhi. Manipur Government na case maipaktuna Manipur Rajbari - Redlands amuk hanna Manipur gi puwari gi achouba mapham ama kanduna lakkhibani.

2022 da Manipur Government na Infrastructure Development of Heritage Complex Rajbari Shillong haibasida project ama thourang toukhi. Planning and Development Authority (PDA) na akuppa report North Eastern Council da ayaba lounaba amadi senthang kaitharaknabagidamak report thakhi loinana 2023 gi July da ayaba pirakhi. Masigi matung inna ariba Rajbari sidokpa houbani haiba wapham General Administration Department, Government of Manipur gi Deputy Secretary gi warol dagi khangba ngamli. Amaromda, Manipur Rajbari nouna semgattuna hannagi phibamda amuk thamnabagi pandamda Governor of Manipur na Monitoring and Supervising Committee semkhre. Committee asigi Chairman na Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development Department (MAHUD) gi Director Ngangom Uttam Singh amadi Member Secretary na Department of Art and Culture gi Deputy Secretary Sunanda Thokchom na oiri. Committee asida General Administration Department (GAD) gi Deputy Secretary Clara Koshoni Phimu, Archaeology Department gi Superintendent K. Shahikanta Sharma amasung Planning & Devlopment Authority (PDA) gi Executive Engineer Ngangom Dilip Meitei yaori. Government gi thouong asimak loukhatpham thokpa thoudangni aduga toupham thokpa thourang kaya paikhatlakkani haibagi thajabasu thamli. Adumoinamak, chahi 80 hellaba Redlands mapung oina sidoklaba matung hannagi ariba potchaksing sijinnaduna nouna semgatlakpada Manipur Rajbari gi historical significance ki question asigi matik chaba paokhum kanana pigani, karamna phanggani haibasigi ekhoulangba adudi adummak leikhigani.

Leibak amada, khunai amada lamdam adugi puwari, etihas, history gi maruoiba adukki matik chaona leiri. Ngasi Manipur Rajbari gi thoudok asina nouhounana eikhoida history gi maruoiba adubu ningsinghalli. Esagi history bu masak khangba amasung yokkhatpa haibasi eikhoi pumnamakki thoudangni. Eikhoina historical site, building sing masak khangdoktuna preserve touba mathou tai. Historian sing, Archaeologist singna kari hairi, kari phongdokli neinaba mathou tai. Heritage preservation acts samna hairabada Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 ; Antiquities and Art Treasures Act , 1972 na chingba leiriba act singgi mateng louduna esagi heritage yokhatnaba hotnaba mathou tai. Renovation nattraga akhannaba thourang loukhatringei mangoinana chap chaba historical research toubada nattana matik chaba plan semduna sustainable approach amaga loinana changsinbagi tangaiphadaba adusu leiri.

Chahi cha kaya Manipur Rajbari na Manipur gi puwari mayamda saktaktuna lakli. Eikhoi punna lingjel mannana eikhoigi puwari kalhousi. Shillong Manipuri Students' Union na changsinliba khongjang asida saruk yaminnasi loinana apunbagi pangalna pukning thougatminnaduna Manipur Rajbari kallasi. We unequivocally condemn the demolition of the Manipur Rajbari. It's time to stand for Redlands. It's our responsibility to preserve our heritage. If not us, then who?

Commemoration of the 129th Birth Anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot

On 30th September 2025, the History Club of D.M. College of Arts in collaboration with Student Union organized the 129th Birth Anniversary Commemoration of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot, a great hero in the history of Manipur. The occasion was graced by Professor S. Lanchenba Meitei, Principal of D.M. College of Arts, as the Chief Guest, Mr. Samuel Duidang, Head of the Department of History, as the President, and Sir Syed Ahmed, Teacher-in-Charge of the History Club, as the Guest of Honour.

The program commenced with the lighting of candles led by our Principal, symbolizing peace and remembrance. This was followed by the performance of the State Song of Manipur by the student organizer team, marking the formal opening of the event.

Subsequently, floral tributes were offered to the portrait of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot in honour of his remarkable contributions and enduring legacy as a leader of Manipur. As a heartfelt tribute, the student organizers also presented a song composed by Hijam Irabot himself, expressing respect and admiration for his ideals and sacrifices.

The Chief Guest, the President, and the Guest of Honour each delivered a brief speech highlighting the life and legacy of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot.

Pristine Huidrom pre phd scholar covered Hijam Irabot's life, from his birth on September 30, 1896, to his contributions as a social reformer, poet, and cultural activist. Despite early parental loss, Irabot pursued education and later worked tirelessly for Manipur's progress, fighting feudal oppression and inspiring the masses. He passed away in 1951.

Dr. Homen delivered a lecture on “Irabot’s Unfinished Revolution: Re-imagining Equity, Identity, and Progress in the 21st Century,” highlighting Hijam Irabot’s work as a political leader and social reformer who fought for equality and justice. He emphasized Irabot’s efforts to create an inclusive Manipur, such as removing “Hindu” from the Nikhil Manipuri Mahasabha and uniting different communities for a common cause. Dr. Homen concluded that Irabot’s vision still guides Manipur today, showing that despite differences, the shared love for the state unites its people.

Dr. K. Indrakumar, Assistant Professor at G.P. Women College, delivered a lecture on "Irabot: His Times and Present Crisis of Manipur," highlighting Irabot’s leadership, his efforts in social and religious reform, and his role in transforming the Nikhil Manipuri Mahasabha by removing the term “Hindu” to promote inclusivity, while drawing parallels between the historical challenges of feudalism and colonialism and the contemporary issues of division in Manipur.

Dr. Malem Ningthouja, Assistant Professor of History at D.M. College of Arts, delivered a lecture on “Ideology, Propaganda and Strategic Program of the Communists under the Leadership of Hijam Irabot.” He highlighted Irabot’s vision of developing Manipur on communist principles, his love for both Manipur and India, and his commitment to democracy, equality, and social justice. Dr. Malem also noted that Irabot joined the Communist Party in 1943 and, despite years in exile, worked tirelessly for Manipur’s liberation, the abolition of feudalism, and the spread of democratic consciousness.

The students of Lei Engkhol School beautifully presented a short yet very meaningful drama highlighting the social issues we face today. Their performance was not only educative but also deeply engaging. Each participant showcased great talent, energy, and intelligence on stage. We extend our warmest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to all the participants for their wonderful efforts .

In today’s program, we also had a wonderful poem recitation session. Our respected teachers, Oja Syed Ahmed and Oja Jackson, presented a beautiful poem, adding depth and charm to the event. Along with them, our colleagues and juniors also showcased their talents through heartfelt recitations. To honor their efforts, all the participants were presented with academic certificates for their performances.

The celebration of the 129th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot was a wonderful event. Everyone remembered his life, work, and ideas. The speeches, songs, and performances inspired us to learn from his legacy and see how his vision is still important today.

History Club & Students' Union D.M. College of Arts, Imphal cordially invite you to the

"129TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION OF LAMYANBA HIJAM IRABOT"

With a Discourse on The Enduring Relevance of Hijam Irabot's Legacy

to be held on Tuesday, 30th September 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Auditorium Hall, D.M. College of Arts, Imphal.

The History Club is organizing a Poem Recitation Competition on the occasion of Irabot Day to be observed on 30th September, 2025.

The competition is open to students from all departments and colleges.

The poem should be self-composed and based on the life, works, and contribution of Hijam Irabot.

Interested students are requested to submit their poems to the History Club on or before 29th September, 2025.

The best poems will be selected for recitation on Irabot Day.

Appreciation and acknowledgment will be given to the best entries.

All are encouraged to participate actively and make the program a success.

On 18th September 2025, the Firefly Archivists & History Club of D.M. College of Arts, Imphal, is honoured to host “Dialogues in Sound and Memory”, Episode I of Creative Histories: Remembering Legends. The program celebrates the contributions of Momo Laishram and Guru Jiangam Kamei, with insights from Dhiren A. Sadokpam, Mangka Mayanglambam, and Akhu (Ronid Chingangbam) on the role of music in culture and society.

Dhiren A. Sadokpam’s spoke on “Sonic Resistance: Metal Bands in the Crucible of Globalised Anxiety” shows how music can be a way to protest. He talks about the Indonesian band Voice of Baceprot (VOB), three young women in hijab who play heavy metal. Their songs speak about women’s rights, education, and social issues. Globalisation gives them a world stage but also brings challenges to identity. Sadokpam calls their music a “sound of resistance” against silence and inequality.

Mangka Mayanglambam, a renowned performer, researcher, and teacher of Manipuri folk music, participated in the program as the Guest of Honor. In her address, she shared insights into Manipuri folk music and reflected on her life journey and experiences as a singer and performer. She emphasized the significance of folk music as a vital foundation for understanding our origin, culture, tradition, and identity. Furthermore, she highlighted the need to modernize, develop, and nurture folk songs and music so that they may be effectively showcased on the global stage and gain recognition at the international level.

Sir Akhu, poet and singer of The Imphal Talkies & The Howlers, shared his journey in music, saying he never received formal training but sings in his own way, following his passion. He also collaborated with children at relief camps to release two songs, Chingya-gee Khangpokshang and Eikhoini Nouwa Ngasigi, and in 2018, he published a work on the Seven Years’ Devastation, highlighting Manipuri history and migration.

Sir Momo Laishram began the lecture by respectfully greeting the audience and said that the event was very meaningful to him. Describing it as one of the most special days of his life, he expressed gratitude for being recognized and remembered. He reflected on how art has shaped his life, recalling the Dharma hall near his home, and shared his wish to perform on stage like a warrior while narrating his life journey to the audience.

Jiangam's younger brother delivered a speech highlighting the brief biography of Jiangam Kamei, describing how he began his musical journey, the struggles he faced, and the achievements he attained.

Dr. Homen Thangjam emphasized the importance of preserving oral traditions, folk narratives, and indigenous knowledge to safeguard cultural heritage. He highlighted how music, stories, and sound help us understand history and identity. He also pointed out the influence of earlier musical movements on contemporary art forms and stressed the need to study and preserve these traditions today.

Dinganglung Gangmei honored Laishram Momo and the late Guru Jiangam Kamei, praising how their music inspires people to rise above divisions of religion, caste, and community. He highlighted their example of inclusivity and community harmony and appreciated the Fireflies Archivists for organizing the tribute.

The program concluded with a speech by Sir Samuel Duidang, Head of Department. We sincerely thank all the speakers and participants for making “Dialogues in Sound and Memory” a memorable celebration of music, culture, and heritage.