The four-day national conference on “Indian National Movement & Tribal Freedom Fighters of Manipur” in the context of the proposed Rani Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museum concluded on Friday.
Organised by the Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Department of Tribal Affairs and Hills, Manipur in collaboration with CSSEIP, Manipur University as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and supported by the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry, the conference was held at Royal Hall, The Classic Hotel, Imphal.
Thematic discussions and exchange of ideas and thoughts took place from August 23 to 25 in five different technical sessions as an exercise of concretising the content for the proposed Rani Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museum, a release issued by TRI director Hungyo Worshang stated.
The content drafted by the expert committee with the support of Regional Content Development and Approval Committee for the North and North Eastern Zone were deliberated during the conference by eminent resource persons, historians, academicians, scholars, representatives and leaders of various tribal communities and stakeholders towards concretising the content for the proposed museum which is of national importance.
Professor Sarit Kumar Chaudhuri, Chairperson, Regional Content Development & Approval Committee (North and North Eastern Zone) emphasised on the parameters and guidelines laid down by the national level committee and the need to expedite the Museum Project in Manipur, it stated.
Professor Amareswar Galla, UNESCO Chair on Inclusive Museums and Sustainable Heritage Development, Anant National University, Ahmedabad and former vice president, International Council of Museums, Paris and UN Expert on Indigenous concerns & Sustainable Development Goals pointed out that the distance of the site should not be an issue given the powerful symbolism after Rani’s House and the Samadhi for Manipur and for India. It will also be the first female freedom fighter museum in the world.
Neetiraj Singh, Joint Director, TRI Madhya Pradesh; N Sakmacha Singh and Gitu Yaikhom, Museum Associates, IGRMS, Bhopal also made presentations. Tara Manchin Hangzo and Lungthaona Rongmei, members of Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes also participated in the discussions. Various tribe leaders and stakeholders along with senior level officers of line departments also participated in the workshop on Friday.
