Pune: Association of Manipuri Diaspora Organizes Its 10th AGM Cum Annual Cultural Program
Pune, 30th September 2021: The Association of Manipuri Diaspora (AMAND), Pune organized its 10th AGM cum Annual Cultural Program (Melei Charong) virtually on Sunday, the 26th September 2021 via Zoom video conference and was streamed live on AMAND Facebook page.
The program was inaugurated by Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, Yumnam Khemchand Singh as the Chief Guest in presence of Yurembam Iboyaima Singh, President, Manipur Tourism Development Society as the Guest of Honour. President AMAND Pune, Er. N. Giridhar Singh presided over the program and welcomed the gathering.
A two-minute silence was observed in the memory and honour of deceased (L) Lolindro Lourembam, member AMAND and (L) Priyobala Angom, member AMAND Ladies club who died in the pandemic this year. The cultural programs included live musical concert from Imphal by Mangka by Laihui Ensemble and Paari Band with Ranbir Thouna, AJ Maisnam & Suma Chanu, traditional dance performances by members of the AMAND family and well-wishers from various locations, the 4th AMAND Talent Hunt comprising of one minute recorded performance in dance, singing and playing of musical instrument each by children upto 8th std where 21 children from AMAND families and 10 entries from children of other Manipuri diasporas living in other cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi and countries like Korea, USA (California) and the Netherlands participated.
In his address, Speaker Yumnam. Khemchand Singh praised AMAND for preserving the rich tradition and culture of Manipur amongst the Manipuri families living in Pune. The Chief Guest also highlighted his appreciation for the noble job that AMAND helped in coordinating the Pune Jiribam Shramic Special train last year while bringing the stranded Manipuris back home during the pandemic.
Yurembam Iboyaima Singh, the Guest of Honour, appreciated the good deeds that AMAND has been doing for the welfare of the Manipuris living in Pune. He appealed to other Manipuri Diasporas not only in India but also in other countries to work together for the welfare and development of the Manipuri community residing outside Manipur.
Er. Sanjoy Yurembam, General Secy, AMAND, Pune, presented a detailed report about 10 years journey of AMAND, Pune from the year of its formation i.e., 2011 till date. In his report, Sanjoy has narrated various activities undertaken by AMAND for its members in the area of community development, education, sports and cultural activities and also social welfare for underprivileged communities in and around Pune.
During the function AMAND Special recognition awards were conferred to Soubam Subhachandra Singh, VP Amand, Pritam Konsam, Jt Secy AMAND, Irom Jiten Singh, Member AMAND, K Somorjit Mangang, Member AMAND and Ksh Deven Singh, member AMAND for their unconditional support during the last 10 years journey of AMAND.
The 10th AGM theme name contest award was also given to Dr H Narendra during the function. AMAND Young Achievers award 2021 were also announced for various academic and extra-curricular activities to 19 Manipuri students in Pune.
Olivia Thokchom received the Late Albert Memorial Award for Academic excellence during the academic year 2021 by scoring the highest marks in the degree exam amongst the Manipuris living in Pune.
Many leading agencies, well-wishers families sponsored the event viz. Platinum: Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA); Gold sponsor: Lucky Entertainment Network, Pune; Silver Sponsors: Col. N.B. Singh & Family, Ksh. Minachandra & Family, PANN Corporation, Pune; Bronze Sponsors: 3C IT Solutions & Telecoms India Pvt. Ltd., Pune, Yaikhom Khogendro & Family.
The program was conducted by Nancy Huidrom and Urmila Thouna from Pune and Paari band venue, Imphal respectively. The formal program was ended with the vote of thanks by S. Subhachandra Singh, Vice President AMAND Pune.