129th Birth Anniversary of Hijam Irabot Commemorated at D.M. College of Arts

The 129th Birth Anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot was commemorated yesterday at the Auditorium of D.M. College of Arts, organized jointly by the Students’ Union and the History Club of the college.

The solemn function was graced by the Principal of the College, Prof. S. Lanchenba Meetei, and the Head of the History Department, Samuel Duidang. The program commenced with the singing of the State song Sana Leibak Manipur and Hijam Irabot’s Thangol ado maya thanggu thouna by students, followed by floral tributes to the late revolutionary leader.

Dignitaries spoke on the life, works, and vision of Hijam Irabot, highlighting his struggle against feudalism and imperialism, his call for social equity, secularism, responsible government, socialism, and cultural renaissance in Manipur. Speakers emphasized the continuing relevance of Irabot’s ideology in addressing the current socio-political crisis in the State.

A discourse on the theme “The Enduring Relevance of Hijam Irabot’s Legacy” was held, where four academicians presented their perspectives. Pre-PhD scholar Pristine Huidrom reflected on Irabot’s life and works, while Dr. Homen Thangjam, Associate Professor, IGNTU Manipur, spoke on “Irabot’s Unfinished Revolution: Re-imagining Equity, Identity, and Progress in the 21st Century.” Dr. Malem Ningthouja, Assistant Professor of History, D.M. College, discussed “Ideology, Propaganda and Strategic Programme of the Communist Military under Hijam Irabot (1948–1951),” and an Associate Professor from G.P. Women’s College analyzed “Irabot: His Historical Times and the Present Crisis in Manipur.”

As part of the commemorative events, patriotic poems were recited by students and teachers. Of particular note was the recitation by Dr. Syed Ahmed, Associate Professor, Department of History, who presented Hijam Irabot’s poem Marupkidamak Tengthaba, written in memory of his dear Manipuri Muslim (Pangal) friend, Md. Jahur Ali (1904–1942) of Nongjaimayum Kollup, Khetrigao. The moment also reflected the solidarity and participation of Manipuri Muslims in Irabot’s anti-feudal and anti-imperialist struggles. Certificates of appreciation were distributed to all participants of the poetry recitation.

The program also featured a short drama performed by the people of Lei Engkhol, a community currently facing eviction threats from their village, symbolizing the continuing struggles of marginalized groups in Manipur.

The commemoration concluded with a collective reaffirmation of the need for political leaders with integrity, courage, and determination to address the prevailing crises in Manipur, in the spirit of Irabot’s legacy.