The changing image of NBMM

By Rebati Mohan Sinha

The Nikhil Bishnupriya Manipuri Mahasabha (NBMM) has come a long way since its inception. It has been constantly working towards the fulfillment of its motto and objectives with which it was founded. The Mahasabha holds long extensive sessions to channelize its work process. 

As a senior member of the Mahasabha, I attended few sessions and observed significant changes, which have taken place over the last five years. The first session I attended was held at village Tinokhal in Patherkandi under Karimganj district in Assam in 2005. The chief objective of the meeting was to discuss the issues related to the collection and expenditure of the revenue. The agenda included various programs (1) to discuss the activities carried out by the Mahasabha during the previous three years; (2) to evaluate the income and the expenditure of the Mahasabha during the period of 2002-2005, (3) to consider the audited memorandum, along with the audited rectification (4) to appoint internal and external auditors (5) to notify matters specially requiring decision, concurrence and sanction of the Adhibeshan and to pass appropriate resolutions there on (5) and to form a new Central Committee for next three years.

The meeting was however overshadowed by the miscellaneous /cultural program. There was hardly any time left to discuss the important issues. There was no separate enclosure for the delegates in the meeting. As a result their voices were not heard properly. The audience took the centre stage and started shouting, which created chaotic scenario. Consequently, discussions were abruptly stopped. Even the formation of committee was postponed for the day. The next day, a prepared list was announced; but the delegates were not content by the way it was presented. 

Nevertheless, another session I attended was recently concluded in village Kailasahar, North Tripura in February 2009. It was well organized and systematic. Before the commencement of 43rd NBMM session, we took the stock of corrective measures on those defective resolutions, which were being taken in 2005 session. In concluded Adhibeshan, the State NBMM committee of Tripura took care of all the management. It arranged a separate venue for the Bishay Nirbachani Sabha comprising delegates of the Mahasabha where audience were not allowed. The names of the candidates were announced and the election took place for the first time in the history of Mahasabha. A separate stage was erected at a venue, far away from the venue of Bishay Nirbachani Sabha, for the Prakashya Sabha, held amidst ten thousand people. There was proper interaction between the delegates and the public. Moreover, the woman wing of Mahasabha was given the rightful place on the dais to share with ongoing session. This is the first time in the history of Mahasabha, the women took part in a man dominated forum. A cultural program was also organized which was participated by national as well as international artists.

As being one of the delegates of the Mahasabha, some questions were thrown at me by the audience. I would like to advice our community people on the basis of the answers I gave to those questions.

NBMM is established for the welfare of our community in particular and for the whole society in broad. It is the responsibility of every Bishnupriya Manipuri to carry out the duties for the upliftment of the community. To develop our language, we should adopt it more and more in our daily use. It is crucial for a regional writer to read other languages and adopt them equally so that he/she could translate the regional literature into other languages in order to expand its accessibility and widen its reach to large number of readers. Making of NBMM is a continuous process which needs unity and solidarity among our people.

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The Holy Shridham Radhakhunda

The Bishnupriya Manipuris are lucky enough to have a community temple, named Radha Madhavjiu, in Radhakunda. It was founded in 1843 by a saint Pundarikaksha Sharma from Khalapar, Patherkandi, Karimganj, Assam by the power of divine grace.

By Rebati Mohan Sinha, Mumbai

The immortal love of Radharani and Sri Krishna is the highest form of love, which is worshipped by all Krishna devotees (bhakts) across the globe. The divine love teaches selfless and unconditional pure form of love to the devotees who sing devotional hymns in its praise. This very love of Radharani and Sri Krishna is still alive in Shridham Radhakunda, one of the holy places of highly spiritual significance in India as it is said to have been blessed by Sri Krishna and her consort Radharani.

There is an interesting story related to the existence of Shridham Radhakund. The story unravels the deep love of Sri Krishna for Radharani. It says that on one occasion, Sri Krishna killed a bull demon. When Radharani came to know that Krishna killed a bull, she refused to associate herself with him unless He purified himself from the sin of bull killing by bathing in all holy rivers of the universe. Sri Krishna pleaded her that since the bull was a demon in disguise, hence no purification is necessary, but Radharani insisted. At this, to convince her, Sri Krishna asked her, would she be pleased if He called all the sacred rivers of the Teeno lok there? Radha nodded in agreement. Then Sri Krishna struck his right heel on the ground and created a large crater (vajrakund). He invoked all the sacred rivers that appeared in personified forms soon and offered their obeisance to Him. They identified themselves as Sri Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, Sindhu, Yamuna and Brahmaputra. They offered prayer to become waters to fill up the Shyamkunda and disappeared into it.

As soon as the Shyamkunda filled with the waters of sacred rivers, Sri Krishna took bath and relieved himself from the sin of killing the bull, to persuade Radha. But then He started teasing her and her sakhies (friends), saying He would be praised by all the people of Nandgao but what will happen to them? Radharani got annoyed at this. She broke a bangle and started digging a pond with it on the footprints of the demon in the west of Shyamkunda, along with her sakhies. They made a big pond but there was no water. Sri Krishna asked her to take water from the Shyamkunda; but she refused to take, saying that the water was polluted as He took bath in it. She then about to bring water from Manasi Ganga located near the foot hill of Govardhan. Witnessing the quarrel between Radharani and Sri Krishna, all the sacred rivers personified themselves once again and appeared in Shyamkunda and requested Sri Krishna to allow them to fill the Radhakunda. Krishna told them to ask Radharani, whether she would allow them to do so. Ultimately, she had to agree and ordered her chief sakhi, Lalita to do the needful. All the sacred rivers broke opened the walls of Shyamkunda and rushed to Radhakunda. Once it was filled, Sri Krishna jumped into it and started swimming till it was midnight. He assured that whoever takes bath in Radha kunda, would be given the seeds of love that He had for Radha. Seeing this, Radharani along with her sakhies, got into the Shyamakhunda and started playing with the water and telling the same thing ‘whoever takes bath in Shyamkunda also, would have the seeds of love kept for Shyam’.

Thousands of devotees, desiring of love for Radha Krishna, visit this holy place and experience it by bathing first in Radhakunda then in Shyamkunda and again in Radhakunda. This is the only place of pilgrimage where auspicious bath is taken at midnight.

The Bishnupriya Manipuris are lucky enough to have a community temple, named Radha Madhavjiu, in Radhakunda. It was founded in 1843 by a saint Pundarikaksha Sharma from Khalapar, Patherkandi, Karimganj, Assam by the power of divine grace. But he could not run it alone so long. He went back to his native land and approached villagers to support him running the Seva Puja of the temple at Radhakunda. Still today, every household of Bishnupriya Manipuri community gives subscription annually to run the administration of Radha Madhavjiu, situated near the east bank of Shyamkunda, facing east, unlike the other temples that face the path of parikrama .The entrance to the premises of the temple is from back yard. Presently a Yatri Nivas (guest house) is being built, adjacent to the temple.

In the near future the pilgrims can stay comfortably.

How to reach Radhakunda

Radhakunda is 150 km from Delhi, 22 km from Vrindavan, 26 km from Mathura Rly station and 58 km from Agra Fort. Buses are available from Delhi, Mathura and Agra to Govardhan. But there is no bus service to Radhakunda. To reach there only auto rickshaws and Tanga are available.

Srilo Prabhupada,the founder of ISKCON, once said about Srimati Radharani ‘… All glories to Radharani. She is so dear to Krishna. Every one is trying to love Krishna, and Krishna is trying to love Radha.’ Just imagine how great Radharani is. Krishna’s prem is so valuable; but Krishna is after Radharani. She is so great; we have to offer her our respect. All devotees in Vrindavan worship Radharani. Pure devotees pray to Radharani. Whenever any devotee wishes another, he says…JOI RADHE and the other devotee reciprocates in the same voice, JOI RADHE. I hope, people will adore much more than the earlier after reading the article.

Related articles:

Oath taking ceremony at Radhakund, Mathura – Tuesday, 14 October 2008

Construction of Yatri Nivas at Radha Kund in mess – Sunday, 31 August 2008

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Radha Madhavjiu Seva Puja Parichalan Samiti’s 129th annual Adhiveshan held at Radha Madhav Sevashram, Guwahati on March 15-17

By Rebati Mohan Sinha, Guwahati, Assam

The 129th Annual Adhiveshan of Sri Sri Radha Madhavjiu Seva Puja Parichalan Samiti, held at Radha Madhav Sevashram, Maligaon, Guwahati on March 15, 16 and 17, 2009, took review of the matters related to accounts, approving the minutes of the last Annual Adhiveshan held at Tinokhal, Karimganj, Assam, and appointment of a member-auditor and an external auditor for audit.

The three day long Adhiveshan was attended by delegates from Assam, Tripura and Maharashtra.

The meet discussed on the activities carried out by the Samiti during the last year and also on the income and expenditure by it in the January 1- December 31, 2008 period. Consideration of audit memorandum, along with the audit rectification of the committee also became the part of the agenda in the meeting.

Other points that came up in the agenda of the meeting are:

To inform matters specially requiring decision, concurrence or sanction of the Adhiveshan and pass appropriate resolutions required such as:

• To give concurrence for inviting sponsors to complete two buildings of Yatri Nivas at Radha-Kunda, Mathura, UP.

• To change the name from ‘Radha Madhav Seva Puja Parichalan Samiti’ to ‘Radha Madhav Seva Parichalan Samiti.’

• To form the Constitution Amendment Committee.

• To discuss the issues of common interest.

On March 17 at the Prakashya Sabha, the President declared the end of the three day’s Adhiveshan. The conclusion of the Adhiveshan was marked with famous Bishnupriya Manipuri singers Sushanta Sinha from Mumbai and Srimati Khela Mukherji from Tripura mesmerizing rendition. Guwahati-based singers also participated in the cultural program.

The Mahila Samiti of Greater Guwahati was in the helm of serving delegates with morning breakfast to dinner in the night including evening tea with snacks. Utmost care in the arrangement of food and lodging for the participants were well taken care by the hosts. The transportation of delegates from their lodge to the site of meeting for three days was something that was appreciated by everybody.

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A Brief History of Mahasabha from 1932 to 2009

The history of Nikhil Bishnupriya Manipuri Mahsabha or simply Mahasabha is itself synonymous with the history of the Bishnupriya Manipuri community. Its decades long history, though partially is evident of the cusp of changes the society has undergone. 

By Rebati Mohan Sinha, Mumbai

1932: 

British Government’s Franchise Committee released a notification on March 31, 1932 wherein they held Manipuris are tribal. Both Meitai Manipuri and Bishnupriya Manipuri people raised objection to this declaration and held a meeting under the banner of Surma Valley Manipuri Association on June 12, 1932 at Tarapur, Silchar, Assam.

In the meeting, Mahendra Kumar Sinha, B.A, B.T, produced certain documents showing the evidence that the Bishnupriya Manipuri people are Khastriyas, and are not tribal. Accordingly a decision was taken to submit a memorandum to the Governor. Both communities decided to send their respective delegates.

From the Bishnupriya Manipuri community, Mahendra Sinha, B.A, B.T, and Hemchandrajit Rajkumaar participated, and from Meitei Manipuri side, Raman Singha and Binay Singha.. However, due to some reasons or other the memorandum could not reach to the authorities.

Another meeting was held on September 25, 1932 at Ambikapatty, Cachar, Assam where the following decisions were taken:

(1) To place a demand for a reserved category seat in state legislative council for our backward communities.

(2) For job reservation for both the communities.

However, in that meeting Meitei Manipuris did not take part.

Later, the Government of Assam withdrew the earlier order and released a fresh order, declaring Manipuri as high caste Hindu.

The declaration was welcomed by the whole Manipuri society. A reception was also given to the concerned Government official, Commissioner, Mr. J.B Walker, I.C.S, at Bhakatpur in Kunjeshwar Sinha’s house.

1933: 

On September 30 and October 1 in the year 1933, a conference was organised at Pratapgarh (Patherkandi) where people from Cachar, Sylhet and Tripura assembled at Gokila Srimandop. It was a historic day as the Nikhil Bishnupriya Manipuri Mahasabha (Mahasabha in short) came into existence on that very day.

Although the name was proposed in the second session; the date and year was kept in retrospect to the first meeting held on September 25, 1932.

On the last day of the meeting, a resolution incorporated with following proposals was initiated by educationist Tanu Babu Sinha, advocate Kirti Chandra, Historian Mahendra Kumar Sinha and others: 

• Welcomed the Government recognition of Bishnupriya Manipuri community as high caste Hindu. 

• Inclusion of a member from the backward community to Assam legislative Council. 

• Youth Committees to be formed especially in Bishnupriya Manipuri villages.

• Permission to worship in Gobinda Mandir at Ningthoukhong, Manipur.

• Job opportunities should be given to Bishnupriya Manipuri living in Manipur.

• There should be English School in Bishnupriya Manipuri populated areas in Manipur, for this the King of Manipur and the political agent should be approached.

• A fixed contribution for Sri Sri Radhamadhavjiu Mandir Seva Puja should be collected from Bishnupriya Manipuri people.

It is to mention here that the Meitei Manipuris again kept themselves away from this conference.

To defuse the charged atmosphere in the areas where both the communities were living, a meeting was held in Imphal on November 19, 1933. The meeting acknowledged and appealed to both the communities to maintain peace and harmony. However, Falguni Sinhga was entrusted to take measures to maintain the unity among Bishnupriya Manipuris and Meiteis Manipuris.

The next meeting was held at Shantipur Mandop on February 14 and 15 at Narsingpur (Baramuni), Cachar, Assam. The Gaddishwar of Ghaghrapaar, Rajyeshwar Mukherjee chaired the meeting of Biraat Sabha.

The meeting comes out with the following decisions:

• Mahendra Kumar Sinha would compile a history of Bihsnupriya Manipuri

• A group of people would work for the recognition of Bishnupriya Manipuri language

• A discussion on Radhamadhavjiu Seva Puja was also held in that meeting.

1937: 

The 9th session was held at Dharmanagar, Tripura.

1938: 

The 10th session was held at Bhakatpur on December 26 and 27 in 1938, where the freedom fighters Arun Kumar Chanda and Jnanadananda Chakrabarty (from Murshidabad) were also present in that meeting. Gokulananda Gitiswami sang the Jagorani songs in Bishnupriya Manipuri.

1939:

In 1939 the Mahasabha session was held at Bhanugachh in Sylhet district and in the same year World War II broke out.

1947: 

India got Independence in1947.

Some parganas like Bhanugachh, Parua, Chandipur got separated from India and joined East Pakistan in the district of Sylhet however other parganas like Patherkandi, Dullabchhera and Badarpur remained in Cachar district in Assam.

1950: 

After independence Mahasabha again resumed its activities. In these years, the body gave much emphasis on the language.

1955: 

The session held in this year, it was proposed that Mahasabha would place its demand to Assam and Tripura Governments regarding education of children in ‘Imaar thaar’, in primary stages.

The Sahitya Parishad, Sanskriti Parishad, Arthanaitik Parishad and Bhasha Parishad came into existence.

1960: 

On July 2, there was an emergency meeting at Silchar to urge Government to incorporate a separate census of Meitei Manipuri as well as Bishnupriya Manipuri in the Linguistic Census.

A delegation comprising Samarendra Sinha, President Mahasabha, Madan Mohan Mukhopadhyaya, Joint Secretary Sahitya Parishad, went to meet Chief Minister of Assam, to submit memorandum on primary education with mother tongue, the Bishnupriya Manipuri.

The Chief Minister accepted the memorandum and assured them that he would look into the matter.

1963:

In 1963 a letter (CMS/18/63 dated 25-7-63) was received by Sri Gopinath Sinha, where it was mentioned that matter was under the Education Department. Unfortunately nothing came out concrete even after one year. From July 2, 1964 Bhasha Daabi Saptah got started.

The Government came up with a letter (CHS 162/64 dt.28th July `64) that the matter was under political consideration.

1965:

In 1965, from 02 – 12 July, there was a ‘Gono Andolan’ in the Bishnupriya

Manipuri populated areas as well as in the district Head Quarter Silchar. A letter (No. 17/1/65/150 dt.12th July 65) was sent by Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, but no action was taken by the Government of Assam. With no positive response from the Government an agitation was started.

1971:

In 1971 census, the code structure was not given to Bishnupriya Manipuris as a result on December 13 – 15, 1972 there was a hunger strike for 48 hours in front of D.C. Office. The then President of Jana Sangh, Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee sat with them and assured the strikers that he would do the needful.

The Deputy Secondary Education, letter (no.EMI/117/69/158 dt.12th Jan 1973) stated that the Speaker of Manipur Vidhan Sabha, objected to the using the word ‘Manipuri’ in the Bishnupriya, either as prefix or suffix. A reply was given by the Mahasabha Secretary (vide letter no.NBMM/Cor/1/73/80 dt.19thFeb 1973) that Speaker of Manipur had no right to interfere in our constitutional birth right.

1975:

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (vide its letter no.13/5/73-B/8 dated April 29, 1975) sanctioned a slot of 45 minutes to Manipuri programme in Radio, out of which 30 minutes are for Meitei Manipuris and the rest for Bishnupriya Manipuri.

As the word ‘Manipuri’ was not suffixed with Bishnupriya, Mahasabha did not participate in Akashvani program.

1977:

In 1977 Government agreed to enroll 25 Bishnupriya teachers but Mahasabha rejected it for the same reason stated above.

1980:

A Bishnupriya Manipuri seven point Demand Action Committee was formed. There were demonstrations and hunger strikes by NBMSU in front of D.C. Office. The Government of India granted the Code structure (vide letter No. 9/27/78-CD (CEN) dated August 22, 1980) as Bishnupriya Manipuri.

1983: 

People were overwhelmed at this development, the then Chief Minister of Assam, Hiteshwar Saikia also declared in cabinet meeting on October 26, 1983 that the next academic year the language would be started in the primary schools. And on November 14, in the same year it was notified in the Gazette. The Government of Manipur had strongly objected to it. The order was later stayed.

1984:

In 1984 a delegation met Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in Delhi with fact-finding

Booklet ‘Let History and Facts Speak about Manipuris’. The delegation was comprised of Jagat Mohan Sinha, Manoranjan Sinha, Kusadwaj Sinha, and Bhimsen Sinha.

1989:

The then Chief Minister of Assam, Prafulla Kumar Mahanta vacated the order on July 21, 1989; but with objection raised from Manipur Government, the order had to be withdrawn again on September 9 in the same year.

1991:

On November 27, the then Chief Minister of Assam, Hiteshwar Saikia was given a warm reception at Patharkandi, where Saikia said that if Tripura Government agree to start the language, he would not mind starting it in his state; even though there was an objection from Government of Manipur but nothing came out later.

1995:

Again a conference was organized at Patharkandi, Assam, called “Mundamala Mahamel”, supported by NBMM on February 11-13, 1995. It is said there were over 30000-40000 people gathered in that meeting. The then Speaker of Tripura, Bimal Sinha was the person behind the famous Mundamala Mahamel. People still remember him.

On May 23, 1995 the Tripura Government started Bishnupriya Manipuri language in primary schools. The then Chief Minister Dasharath Debabarman was very much appreciated by Mahasabha.

And in Assam the Chief Minister was again approached and reminded of his earlier promise of starting the language. No action was taken by the Assam Government.

On December 30, 1995 there was a road-block on National Highway for 12 hrs in which students were heavily injured by Police lathi charge. One Salil Sinha succumbed to this injury.

1996:

Subsequently a rail ruko andolan was initiated on March 16, 1996 at Bilbari, Patharkandi, in which Sudeshna Sinha lost her life in police firing and another 9 youths also got injured seriously.

On August 11, 1996, a meeting was held in the Community Hall of Sri Sri Bhubaneshwar Sadhu Thakur Sevashram, Tarapur to chalk out a program jointly with like minded bodies for future course of action to maintain unity among all Bishnupriya Manipuris while fighting the court cases in Assam High Court.

1998:

In 1998, December 9 at the call of Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, the then Chief Minister of Assam, Sri Manaranjan Sinha, President NBMM, General Secretary Sri

Kushadhwaj Sinha, and the present Working President of NBMM Sri sunder Mukherjee and others had a meeting at Dispur. In the meeting, Chief Minister requested the delegates to wait for the court hearing.

1999:

In 1999, there was a three-day session on 19, 20 and 21 February, in which Dr. Debendra Kumar Sinha was elected as President of NBMM. The elected Secretaries were

Sri Uday Sinha, Krishna Bhallab Sinha, Sunder Mukherjee and Sri Rajendra Kumar Sinha.

The new committee office-bearers began working on March 25 and on April 19 met with Assam Chief Minister. Chief Minister assured the visiting Mahasabha delegates that in due course of time the language would be started. 

Again on April 27 the delegates of Mahasabha held another meeting with Chief Minister and apprised him of the impending Government Notification which was later published in Gazette of Assam (Part II, page 338) on July 7, 1999. 

On April 5, 2000, Education Minister, Education Commissioner and

Director SCERT, Assam, Director of Elementary Education, Assam, were all present in a meeting with Mahasabha and decided that the language would be started in primary schools very soon.

2000:

On May 5 2000, Dr. Debendra Kumar Sinha, President of NBMM, along with his colleagues Sri Jogendra Kumar Sinha, Sri Barun Kumar Sinha, Sri Uday Sinha and others met with the Chief Minister, Sri Prafulla Kumar Mahanta at Circuit House in Silchar to apprise him of the plight of the Bishnupriya Manipuri community.

Mahanta assured the delegation that he would look in to the matter. There were meetings after meeting but no concrete steps were being taken to implement the language.

Finally, the Education Department (vide letter No.E- 154/95/Pt- Dt. Dispur July 4, 2000) asked Mahasabha to arrange for the text book publication as Government had no fund. And again (vide letter No. E-154/95/P-V/30 A dt.Dispur May 31) the Government granted only the “language” status and not the “medium of instruction”.

Mahasabha`s Working Committee in its meeting on November 19, 2000 welcomed the Government move to go ahead with the printing of the text books.

On December 18, 2000, a draft copy of “Kanak Path” was recommended by Government for publication. The job of publication of “Kanak Path” was entrusted to Sri Biresh

Ranjan Sinha, Debajyoti Sinha, the working president and the vice president respectively of NBMM Guwahati Regional Committee. They completed the job brilliantly and submitted the book (Kanak Path) to Commissioner, Education, Director, Elementary Education and Director, SCERT (vide letter no.NBMM-3/corr/2K/144 dt 02 /01/2001).

2001:

On receiving the book, the Deputy Director, Elementary Education (vide his letter no. ELM/10/89/150 dt.07/02/2001) issued directive to the 52 L.P. Schools of Barak Valley to implement the language.

Ultimately, the Kanak Path was launched by D.I of schools on February 9, 2001 at village Singari, near Silchar in a simple ceremony.

2002:

The 41st session of NBMM was held on 8, 9 and 10 March 2002 at Kalain, Bikrampur under the Presidentship of Dr. Debendra Sinha. Mahasabha congratulated the audience and expressed gratitude towards the Assam Government for the implementation of Imaar thaar in primary schools. In that meeting Dr. Debendra Kumar Sinha was re-elected as President of NBMM and Sri Uday Sinha as General Secretary.

2005:

The 42nd session was held on 18, 19 and 20 February 2005 in the village Unam, Patherkandi, Karimganj. The Mahasabha again urged him to lead the committee for another term. Dr Sinha agreed to continue and took in his team: Sri Gapinath Sinha, Sri Chanrakanta Sinha, Sri Sunder Mukherjee (Tripura), Sri Padmasen Sinha (Bangladesh) Sri Rebati Mohan Sinha (Mumbai) as Working Presidents and Uday Sinha as Secretary General of NBMM.

The 43rd session is going to be held at Kailashahar, North Tripura on 13, 14 and 15 February 2009.

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Bishnupriya Manipuri Kalyan Sangathan, Pune, organises a picnic at NDA, Khadakvasla on Jan 4, 2008

From Digital Gaga

The Bishnupriya Manipuri Kalyan Sangathan, Pune, organised a picnic on the eve of New Year in the woods of National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, Pune on 4th January 2009.

Members from Mumbai reached the picnic spot, before Punities, at 0930 hrs. The entire arrangement was done in the Army fashion i.e. the erection of pandel with shamiana and truck load of furniture. The whole celebration was organised by Col. Nani Kumar Sinha. The Punabasi arrived at around 1030 hrs after a long search of the picnic spot.

At around 1100 hrs all the members and their families took their seats in the pandel to observe 1-minute silence for the departed soul of late Advocate Krishna Sinha, father of Srimati Kumkum Sinha, the Deputy Director of Education, Assam. Late Krishna ukil was the pioneer of the construction of Sri Sri Bhubaneswar Sadhu Thakur mandir at his birthplace at Baropua, presently known as Bhubaneswar Nagar. He was a silent social worker, and he left us for heavenly abode on 1^st January 2009.

As usual the picnic program started with distribution of snacks with cold drinks to the children, followed by adults. There were plenty of group discussions among different age groups, especially among ladies. There were children’s game and dances where elders also joined them. 

The food preparation was done in a traditional manner i.e. with firewood and traditional menu. The mouth watering papaya chinchu and kholor irolpa – it was a ladies special. The food was served by purijelei. The gathering was of about sixty five including children. 

There was a snap meeting, before dispersion, where Sri Rebati Mohan Sinha briefed about the disbursement of money to the bomb blast victims at Guwahati, also reminded the gathering of forthcoming Adhibesan of Nikhil Bishnupriya Manipuri Mahasabha at Kailashahar, Tripura on 13, 14 & 15th Feb.2009 and the Adhibesan of Sri Sri Radha Madhavjiu Seva Puja Parichalan Samiti at Maligaon, Guwahati on 15,16 and 17^th March 2009. 

On behalf of Bishnupriya Manipuri Mumbaities and Punities, Sri Rebati Mohan Sinha thanked Col.N.K.Sinha for the marvelous arrangement for the occasion.

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Lack of political will in the fencing of the Indo-Bangla border, says Retd. General SK Sinha

The northeastern part of India is turning into a deadly social and economic cocktail threatening to break out into a communal inferno.

Lieutenant General (Retd.) Srinivas Kumar Sinha and Rebati Mohan Sinha, Mumbai

India and Bangladesh are part of Indian subcontinent. In 1971 Bangladesh became an independent country with the strong political as well as military support from India; but since then there have been several issues of dispute and it is increasing day by day and there is no end to it and hardly any Indian citizen knows about the problems faced by N.E. people.

Today, Bangladesh has become home for Islamic terrorist outfits and North-East India’s separatist elements like Ulfa and many terrorist outfits. The demographic challenge from Bangladesh is more serious and greater threat to our National Security. And with this background, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarathi Parshad organized a one day seminar on 16th November 2008, to throw a light on Indo-Bangla relationship before and after 1971.

I was quite fortunate enough to be invited in such a national seminar and also lucky enough to be introduced to the former Ambassador of Nepal, Governor of Assam and Jammu & Kashmir, Lt. General SK. Sinha PVSM, Former Director General, BSF Shri E.Ram Mohan, Shri Jaideep Saikia, South East Asia Security Expert, Shri Aravind Inamdar, former Director General of Police, Maharashtra.

I must give a brief on ABVP. Founded in 1948, and registered in 1949 in Delhi. It is a cadre based mass student organization with 1.5 million primary members with a motto of “Knowledge, Character & Unity”. And the National Reconstruction is the life mission of ABVP. They believe that this type of seminar would carefully retrospect the relations and put forth the action plans. On December 17th 2008, ABVP of about 50,000 student body will be organizing a “dharna” at Siliguri (WB) called the ‘chicken neck’ to make that area ‘infiltrator free zone’.

Retd. General SK Sinha inaugurated the 1st session with a key note address: He had made known to the audience that during World War II, as a young Army officer he was in the villages of upper Assam. And in1971 war also, he was in Assam to fight the Pakistan Army.

In 1997 when IK Gujral was Prime Minister, one day he received a phone call from him, saying “Assam is burning, can you come to Delhi tomorrow?’’ He went next day and met PM with Congress (I) treasurer Mr. Sitaram Kesri, who was from Bihar.

The PM told him that for the national interest he should take up the challenging job of Governorship of Assam. He was in Assam for five long years up to 2002, and then he shifted to Jammu& Kashmir as Governor for another five years.

During his tenure as constitutional head of the state, he felt at that time, the centre had done nothing for the state. There were power shortages, crop damage due to flood, no Hydel project. He gave two examples, why there was no refinery at the state? Why should they carry a pipe line from Digboi to Barauni at Bihar?

Rs.2500 crores tea industry was remote controlled by Marwaries from Calcutta. Because of AASU agitation headed by Shri Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, the centre had done something i.e. tea auctioning done at Guwahati, refinery has come up in Assam.

As per the Assam accord, the entire border stretching from Meghalaya to Tripura would have been fenced by barbed wire; but it is yet not been completed because of lack of political will, and as a Governor of J&K he could got it completed in terrain about 700 kms of barbed wire within 1 ½ yrs.

He talked about influx of Muslim population in upper Assam from Maimonsingh district of Bangladesh with the help of Muslim Ministers from centre. People from other states used to tell these Ministers, ‘grow more Muslim, not food’. General told to the audience that once Chief Minister of Assam Mr. Hiteshwar Saikia told to the press in1992 that there were 3 millions of illegal migrations in Assam, immediately he had to withdraw it next day at the behest of his high command at Delhi and declared that there was no illegal migration.

In 2004, the Union Minister of State for Home, Sri Jaswal told the press that there were 1.2 crore illegal migration from Bangladesh in India, the next day Prime Minister, Sri Manmohan Singh called the press and told that the figures given by his Minister was based on hearsay, not on actual. Sri Jaswal later on same day sang the song on his master`s tune.

As we know of the recently concluded National Games at Guwahati, it came in news paper that the Govt. headed by Sri Tarun Gogoi paid crores of rupees to Ulfa to not to disturb the National Games. Now, one question may come up in our minds, where did the money come from? Was it drawn from the treasury or from Delhi? Again we read in news papers in Mumbai after bomb blast, the Chief Minister of the state told the press “We got the information on terrorist attack well in advance; but there was no inter departmental coordination to face the attack.” What could we say about this Govt. headed by him?

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Pune celebrates the birth anniversary Sri Sri Bhubaneswar Sadhu Thakur

On 30th October 2008 the Pune unit of Bishnupriya Manipuri Kalyan Sangthan celebrated the 138th anniversary of Sri Sri Bhubaneswar Sadhu Thakur at the site of proposed Mandir at Ramnagar about 20 km from Pune Railway station. It may be mentioned here that the plot of land for the mandir was bought in 2007 by 5 ladies of Pune and donated it for the cause.

Bishnupriya Manipuri Puneities assembled in the newly erected pandal for Adhibas. The Chief Guest from Mumbai, Sri Rebati Mohan Sinha, President of Bishnupriya Manipuri Kalyan Sangathan arrived; Sri Ramsena Sinha, Sri Kulajit Raj Kumar and Sri Babul Sinha received him with great honour. Colonel Sri N. K. Sinha was also received earlier by them. The daakula Ishalpa stood up for the commencement of the utsav after chanting of mantras by the purahit. Hearing the sound of mridang and karatals the neighbors started occupying the empty chairs. The Adhibas was ended after the Aarti.

Early in the morning,30th October, Bishnupriya Manipuri people gathered in the puja sthal to offer Prayer to Sadhu Baba and by 10.30 hrs the pedal was full. Again our Daakua Ishalpa got ready for performance. At around 2 pm the bhog was offered and followed by prasadi to all. The entire program came in to an end after sandhya aarti.

Meeting Photographs with Hon’ble Maharashtra Governor SC Jamir

Read Bishnupriya Manipuri Kalyan Sangthan, Mumbai unit invites Gov of Maharashtra SC Jamir.

The Sangathan met with Shri SC Jamir on 23rd October, 2008 and had discussions on various aspect of the Bishnupriya Manipuri community, its past and present. Shri Rebati Mohan Sinha, President, the Bishnupriya Manipuri Kalyan Sangathan, Pune, Mumbai and members Mrs. Riten Sinha and Mr. Bipul Sarma met with the Hon’ble Governor.

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Bishnupriya Manipuri Kalyan Sangthan, Mumbai unit invites Gov of Maharashtra SC Jamir

In a communiqué to the Honourable Governor of Maharashtra, Shri SC Jamir, the Bishnupriya Manipuri Kalyan Sangthan, Pune, Mumbai has sought a meeting with him to invite him in the celebration of the birth anniversary of Shri Shri Bhubaneshwar Sadhu Thakur on November2, 2008. 

“We the 30 odd Bishnupriya Manipuri families from North East, specially from Assam, Tripura residing in Mumbai and its suburbs (are) celebrating the occasion every year under the banner of ‘Bishnupriya Manipuri Kalyan Sangthan’, Pune Mumbai, … would like to invite the Honourable Governor to attend the celebration of the birth anniversary of Shri Shri Bhubaneshwar Sadhu Thakur” reads the communiqué addressed to The Officer on Special Duty, Governor of Maharashtra. 

The Bishnupriya Manipuri Kalyan Sangathan, Mumbai strives for the spiritual, social, economical, educational and cultural upliftment of the Bishnupriya Manipuri community and also mankind at large. This group also acts as a hub for educational, socio-economical, cultural, medical guidance and contribution to the people of Bishnupriya Manipuri community of Mumbai and also those coming from North East at large.

Shri Shri Bhubaneswar Sadhuthakur is the most profound spiritual leader in Manipuri history. The philosophy and teachings of Shri Shri Bhubaneshwar Sadhu Thakur is to impart service to the mankind irrespective of caste, creed, color and gender. His teachings are based on the universal religion of Naam Sankirtan (Pray by Chanting God).

This year the 138th birth anniversary will be celebrated on 2nd November, 2008 at new Airport colony, Vile Parle(E), Mumbai.

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Oath taking ceremony at Radhakund, Mathura

Sri Sri Radha Madhavjiu Seva Puja Parichalan Central Working Committee, in its quarterly meeting held at Chamtilla, Shingla, Karimganj on last 13/09/2008, has reposed the confidence again on Delhities for the mandir management after a gap of three years.

The oath taking ceremony is scheduled to take place at Radha Kund, Mathura at around 10 in the morning on 25/10/2008.The following personnels will be attending the function.

Name Designation Place
1. Sri Kajal Kanti Sinha, President, New Delhi
2. Sri Bishwajit Sinha, Member New Delhi
3. Sri Mohan singh Choudhuri, Member, New Delhi
4. Sri Rebati Mohan Sinha, Member, Mumbai
5. Sri Banamali Sinha,IAS , Member, Agartala
6. Sri Krishnakanta Babaji, Convenor/Secretary, Radhakund.
(sevait)

On the same day at the same venue, there will be a progress meeting on the construction of Yatri Nivas at 3.pm.Sri Kajal Kanti Sinha.Rtd.Addl.Chief Engr.(Tripura), President Construction Committee, will chair the meeting. Sri R.M.Sinha, Naval Architect, will brief the meeting on building plan alteration/addition/modification above first floor level. Any other points raised by members will be discussed.

[Photos: construction work at Radhakund]

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