15th ANNUAL CONVENTION OF NAMA
DETROIT, MICHIGAN
JULY 1-3, 2006

Dear Friends,

The 15th North American Manipur Association Convention at West Bloomfield (Detroit), Michigan, was successfully held from July 1-3, 2006. The Convention was hosted by the mid-west families and was planned in advance for a meaningful and fun filled gathering of the Manipuri families of North America and NAMA members.

The Chief Guest of this year's Convention was Laishram Sadananda Singh, Principal (Retired) Manipur College, Imphal. In his remark, the Chief Guest expressed his gratitude and happiness to see the Manipuri families in a far away land gathering together and discussing issues related to the families in the US and Canada and the issues that affect the home land of Manipur and other parts of the globe where Manipuris settle.

He also emphasized the importance of being a part of the global family in this high-wired new millennium. Manipur and its people are indeed a part of the global family and the success of the NAMA members in their own professions is a success, not only for the individual, but a pride for the entire community of NAMA and Manipur. In this regard, the Chief Guest also emphasized the need for safeguarding and propagating the culture and tradition of Manipur to the future generations both in Manipur and outside communities.

The convention in full swing..

Further, Dr. Pukhrambam Lalit Singh, in his seminar on Umang Lai Haraoba, reminded everyone of the need for the members to continue to learn and introduce the culture and tradition of Manipur to their children and future generations. Five cultures that identify Manipur were discussed, namely, Umang Lai Haraoba, Thang-Ta, Pung Cholom, Polo (The Horse Hockey) and Manipur Ras Dance.

Dr. Pukhrambam, emphasized on the need for conservation of the Sacred Umangs at the 166 Lai Haraobungs in Manipur Valley. These Umangs protected and provided sanctuaries for the precious and irreplaceable flora and fauna of Manipur including traditional medicinal plants and local birds and animals. Not caring for these Umangs and its inhabitants will be a great lost to Manipur Culture and Tradition for the future generation.

The outgoing President of NAMA, Dr. Adhikarimayam Surjalal Sharma, reported the past activities of NAMA and the great success of the Book Project for the burnt down Central Library at Imphal. He congratulated on the members who worked hard to make the project a great success. The NAMA executive committee decided to continue it in the coming year as well.

In his report, the President emphasized on the need for a collective effort and for developing an efficient means to communicate and exchange views among the members at a regular basis and implementation of ideas. In the executive committee meeting, the members expressed concern about the lack of cohesiveness among the regional members and discussed ways to introduce better communication methods year round, both electronically and postal, and also share family events amongst the NAMA members (exclusively).

This year's meeting was a great success in that the attending members entirely put the bills for the Annual Convention expenses. Even members, who were not able to attend the meeting, generously contributed for the successful performance of the function. The highlight of the function was the Kid's talent Program.

There were dance numbers, songs, musical instruments and Martial Arts activities. They were lovingly rewarded for their performances at the Award Ceremony, and were appreciated by the audience for their efforts with great applauses. The songs performed by the members were truly an international flavor including Manipuri, English and Hindi numbers.

Read Part 2