Manipur CAF Minister Leishangthem Sushindro Meitei said unity within the community is the essence to achieve any kind of movement.
He stated this during the inaugural function of the 15-day long workshop on "Rite-De Passages" of Sanamahism (Sanamahi Laining gi Pokpa, Luhongba amasung Korou Nongabagi Thouramsing) held on Tuesday.
The programme was jointly organised by Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board and Manipur University of Culture at Haying Khongbal Uphong Yumpham, Imphal West.
Attending the function as chief guest, Sushindro said that the springing up of many people particularly from the Meitei community for preservation and protection of Sanamahi religion is highly appreciable. But unfortunately, there is always polarisation of ideas and belief within the community that results in inability to bring unity. Such a situation may hinder the promotion and preservation of Sanamahi religion, the minister said.
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There is a need to remove such disintegration within the community in order to achieve the target of movement, he added and stated that without sincere dedication, commitment and conviction of community, any religion cannot be protected from outer forces.
He continued and said that religion is something that signifies the identity, culture and tradition of one's community. As such degradation of one's own religion is almost synonymous to losing their identity, he said.
He recalled how prominence of Sanamahi religion was suppressed at one point of time and stated that popularity of Sanamahi religion is gradually gaining each year. Apart from Meitei, other communities are also following Sanahamahi religion. The Meitei community should be liberal and encourage such communities who follow Sanahamahi. They should avoid taking the ownership of Sanamahi as their own religion, he suggested.
Religion can be expanded when anyone is free to follow it, he added.
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President of the function, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba said that Sanahami religion is embodied with rich cultural values. There are various norms of Sanamahi religion that have to follow from pre- birth till post-death. The present generation should play a significant role in preserving and promoting such rich culture and practices, he advised.
He also appealed not to disintegrate within the community just because of some differences. Such a situation should be settled through dialogue, understanding, compromise and sacrifices, he added.
The programme was also attended by chairman of Planning and Development Authority, Lourembam Rameshwor Singh and vice chancellor of Manipur University of Culture, prof Paonam Gunindro as guests of honour.
