States » EastPosted at: Oct 6 2026 8:35PM


CM releases Burmese-Manipuri souvenir marking monarch Rajarshi Bhagyachandra’s 228th death anniversary

Imphal, Oct 6 (UNI) Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh released a bilingual Burmese-Manipuri souvenir, commemorating the 228th death anniversary of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra at a function, here on Tuesday.
The souvenir has been brought out by the Rajarshi Bhagyachandra Cultural Foundation, Manipur, in association with the Indo-Myanmar Fraternal Alliance. It will be distributed during the Punyatithi observance of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra scheduled to be held in Mandalay, Myanmar, on October 13.
Speaking at the function, Khemchand Singh highlighted the historical and cultural connections between Manipur and neighbouring regions, saying the State’s historical presence extended beyond its present geographical boundaries.
Referring to historical accounts that Manipur’s kings spent considerable periods in the hills, he said such experiences highlighted the role played by earlier generations in facilitating interaction among different communities and strengthening the idea of a united Manipur.
The Chief Minister said institutions and settlements known as Rajbari in places such as Assam, Dimapur and Meghalaya had helped preserve a sense of Manipur’s identity and historical presence outside the State.
Highlighting the legacy of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra, Khemchand Singh said the title “Rajarshi” reflected his role not only as a king but also as a spiritual leader. He credited the visionary ruler with playing a seminal role in introducing and establishing Ras Lila, which has become one of Manipur’s most distinguished cultural traditions.
He said Manipuri Ras Lila had made an important contribution to India’s classical dance tradition and that Manipur’s cultural heritage occupied a significant place in the broader tradition of Indian classical performing arts.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the longstanding historical relationship between Manipur and Assam. He said geographical proximity and historical links, including those established through the marriage of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra’s daughter, helped strengthen ties between the people of the two regions.
He said such historical connections demonstrated that the cultural and social bonds established between Manipur and neighbouring regions in earlier times had continued into the present and represented part of the legacy of the State’s rulers.
Referring to the impact of the conflict that began on May 3, 2023, the Chief Minister said the prolonged crisis had caused considerable economic damage, including a decline of more than ₹1,200 crore in GST revenue. He also said frequent bandhs and blockades had further affected economic activity, with daily wage earners and others dependent on regular economic activity bearing the brunt.
Appealing to the people and civil society to refrain from bandhs and blockades, Khemchand Singh urged that differences and grievances be addressed through dialogue.
Drawing an analogy from nature, he said just as a withered flower regains freshness with the arrival of monsoon rain, Manipur could regain its vitality as peace and economic activity returned to the State.
President of the Indo-Myanmar Fraternal Alliance R.K. Shivachandra Singh, Gita Sanman awardee Kakchingtabam Brajamani Sharma, President of the Rajarshi Bhagyachandra Cultural Foundation R.K. Jitendrajit Singh and General Secretary Th. Dhanakumar Singh were among those present at the function.
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