The 9th foundation day celebration of Indigenous People’s Association of Kangleipak (IPAK) was held on Wednesday at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul Imphal West.
Addressing the function, president of IPAK, Ksh Somorendro said that they have been struggling for preservation and conservation of indigenous people of state for nearly two decades, launching various movements and campaigns. IPAK was earlier known as FRIENDS and its name changed 10 years ago, he said.
He further said that the association is all set to launch ‘Save Indigenous People’ campaign soon wherein they would promote and encourage indigenous people who are into odd jobs mostly done by non-locals.
In order to protect and preserve indigenous people, the first and foremost step is the work culture in the state, he said. Non-locals come to the state in search of livelihood and most of them are into odd jobs. But the time has come to spread massive awareness that all jobs are equally important and no job is inferior or superior, he added.
As a part of the programme, seven women who drive e-Rickshaw for their livelihood were felicitated with an objective to encourage them. They are Maimom Bhanu from Irishemba Lourembam Leikai, Imphal West; Chungkham Surbala from Sagolband Tera Lukram Leirak, Imphal West; Thoudam Bijeta Devi from Potsangbam Khulen, Potsangbam Koiru, Imphal West; Aheibam Inunganbi Chanu from Heirangoithong Awang Maibam Leikai, Imphal West; Ningthoujam Anita Devi from Lamdeng Elangbam Leikai, Thoubal Wangjing, Thoubal; Yangelem Piyainu Devi from Chingamakha Yanglem Leikai, Imphal West and Oinam Laibi from Pangei Bazar, Imphal East.
Other dignitaries who attended the function as presidium members were advisor of IPAK, Sapamcha Jadumani; national and international awardee, Heikrujam Ibotombi Khuman; president of PANDM, Yumnamcha Dilipkumar; president of IPSA, Tourangbam Birjit; president of ACOAM Lup, Sanjit Soraisam; president of Kanglei Ima Lup, RK Sanahanbi; general secretary of KANGLAMEI, Wahengbam Shama and president of Chanura Lamjinglel Kangleipak, Ch Pakpi Chanu.
