Asem Bhakta Singh, Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: Centre for Myanmar Studies at Manipur University has organized Thingyan 2024 at Chanchi Park. The event was attended by Prof. Naorem Lokendro, Vice Chancellor of Manipur University, Prof. W. Chandbabu, Registrar, Prof. Bishwanth Laimayum, HOD of Philosophy Department, and Prof. Mc Arun, Director of the Centre for Myanmar Studies, as the Chief Guest, Guest of Honor, and President respectively.
As part of the festivities, local fish Ngamu Usli was served at Canchi Moat, followed by a tree plantation at Canchi Park.
Prof. Naorem Lokendro, Vice Chancellor of Manipur University, expressed that the Centre for Myanmar Studies organizes the Thingyan festival annually, and this year was no exception. He highlighted that the center offers courses in Myanmar language in accordance with UGC guidelines.
Additionally, he mentioned that on January 18, 2024, Manipur University and the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the guidance of External Affairs Minister Rk Ranjan. The MoU aims to facilitate collaboration in research, publication, and information sharing between the two institutions, particularly focusing on India-Myanmar relations.
Prof. Mc Arun, Director of the Centre for Myanmar Studies, noted that this year’s Thingyan festival was celebrated more as a ritual due to the ethnic crisis in Manipur. He emphasized that amidst the political tension in both Manipur and Myanmar, the festival may brings a peaceful atmosphere.
U Pyay Nyein from Mandalay, Myanmar, shared that Thingyan, also known as the Water Festival, is a widely celebrated New Year’s Day festival in Myanmar. Students and teachers from the Centre for Myanmar Studies at Manipur University actively participated in the festival, which is not only about dancing in the streets and water-spraying but also signifies the beginning of the Myanmar lunar calendar, symbolizing life and rebirth.
