As the Swarnim Vijay Mashaal completes its journey through the state of Manipur, a grand ceremony was organised by IGAR (South) at Sports Authority of India (SAI) Football stadium Imphal to bid farewell to the Swarnim Vijay Mashaal or the Victory Flame.
The event was graced by Maharaja Leishamba Sanajaoba, MP(RS) & Titular King of Manipur as the chief guest on the occasion. Lt Gen Johnson P Mathews, AVSM, VSM the General Officer Commanding Spear Corps, LT Gen KH Singh (Retd), Inspector General Assam Rifles (South), GOC Red Shield Division other dignitaries from state govt, serving & retired Armed Forces personnel NCC cadets and school children attended the exhilarating mega event.
The event commenced with a welcome song by the students of Assam Rifles Public School ( ARPS), Mantripukhri, followed by an exciting match of Khong Kangjei (Manipuri Hockey).
After the match, the famous patriotic song “Ae Mere Vatan ke logon” in the melodious voice of Ms Sunita Nepram filled the stadium with patriotic fervour. Messages from prominent personalities including the honourable CM Shri N Biren Singh were screened.
The Swarnim Vijay Mashaal was escorted from Keithalmanbi Garrison to the SAI Stadium and was received by the Chief Guest accompanied by the GOC Spears Corps and IG AR(South).
Remembering the fallen soldiers of the 1971 War, doves were released as a mark of peace and Tricolour balloons were let in the air to everyone’s rejoice. A well-synchronised display of Pipebands of Assam Rifles on martial tunes added to the charm of the afternoon.
The ceremony progressed with a show of the colourful cultural heritage of Manipur including presentations of Lai Haraoba, Cheiroi or the stick dance, Kabui Naga Dance, ThabiKakpa & Ta Hippa – a unique martial art form of Manipur, Acrobatics and the world-famous energetic “Dhol Cholom”. Scintillating dance performance by school children was the next event, closely succeeded by a spell-bounding symphony played by the Fusion band of 46 Assam Rifles.
The Chief Guest addressed the gathering and shared the importance of the contribution of “Indian Jawan”. It was followed by felicitation of participants of the day’s event.
The Vijay Mashaal will now continue its journey from Manipur into the state of Assam.
