RE: The 16th NAMA Convention at Amherst , NY (Near Niagara Falls )
June 30th-July 2nd, 2007

Dear Friends/Patrons:

The 16th North American Manipur Association Convention at Amherst, New York, was successfully held from June 30 th-July 2nd, 2007. The Convention was hosted by the lone Manipuri family in Amherst, New York. NAMA volunteers worked with the host family for past several months for organizing the convention.

Thank you everybody for coming to the convention. Those you missed to participate , we hope they will definitely attend next year.



We got overwhelming response this year with people coming from Canada(Toronto), California, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York City, Washington DC, Maine. Even people had to fly in from Tampa (Florida)!

There was food emporium and cultural extravaganza! It was the most successful convention ever had (according to critics)>

The convention in full swing..

The convention started with the host Kayenpaibam Dhrita Kumar welcoming the guests.

The Chief Guest of this year's Convention was Dr Jila Waikhom. In his remark, the Chief Guest expressed his gratitude and happiness to see people of all ages attending the convention with full enthusiasm.

Dr Sana Waikhom gave a brief presentation about American health care system and individual's responsibilities. In her key note address, she stressed the importance of having health insurance for Manipuris in North America and also those visiting from overseas.

Ashem Satyajit Singh discussed about Manipuri societies outside Manipur and the social structure/needs, he mainly focused on the Manipuris living in Bangladesh.

North American Manipur Association's "NAMA Recognition Award -2007" was presented to Guru Moirangthem Nabaghana Shyam Singha of NRITYA RANGAM, Washington , DC , for his active participation and promotion of Manipuri Art, Culture and Dance to the people of North America.

Bish Morangthem gave a brief presentation on how internet works and stressed the need for parental controls for the kids while using internet.

A documentary film related to HIV and drug abuse in Manipur was showcasted.

In the afternoon, Kids presented various programs including
dance, guitar, martial arts, musical chair etc.

Evening session was exclusively for Manipuri cultural programs. Guru Moirangthem Nabaghana Shyam Singha and Thoihen Heisnam presented an excellent program on the fusion of Sitar, Pung, Tabla and Dhulok.

Leirenjam Jagannath presented the traditional Manipuri Pung Cholom.

Indrani Sharmi presented a classical Manipuri dance called Mangalacharan.

Noopur Singha presented the sweet Krishna Abhishar.

Thokchom Prasana Kumar Singh with Leirenjam Jagannath presented the fusion on Sitar and Pung. He flew from Tampa (Florida) to attend the convention and also announced for his upcoming album, we wish him good luck!

Did we missed something, how can NAMA convention close without Thabal Chongba..oh boy it was fun!

In the executive meeting held on June 30th night, various proposals were made.
1) Scholarship program for kids attending college
2) Membership drive
3) Promote Manipuri cultural activities in North America.

We decided 17 th NAMA convention will be held in Chicago July 4th-6th, 2008. A core team will be working to host a Manipuri cultural night in Chicago in conjunction with NAMA convention next year. We request every to come next year.


NAMA Team