RSS chief honours descendants of Anglo-Manipuri war heroes

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 24 : Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat  honored the descendants of Anglo-Manipuri war heroes on Sunday during the book release function of ‘Unsung Anglo-Manipuri War Heroes at Kalapani’ held at Rajarshi Bhagyachandra Skill Development Centre (RBSDC), Haraorou, Imphal East.
Dr Mohan Bhagwat honored the descendants of the war heroes with a memento and a shawl.
"The country has completed 75 years of independence because of the sacrifices made by our forefathers. Many Manipuris have participated in the freedom struggle and some of them were sentenced to death, even Maharaja Kulchandra Singh of Manipur with 22 others were sent to Kalapani. The people of Manipur have also contributed the same as other States in the freedom struggle of the country and it should be made known to all", Mohan Bhagwat said.
"India is not based on religion but on dharma; the freedom fighters not only fought for freedom, but they also fought for dharma. The sacrificing spirit of our forefathers is in our blood and their contribution makes the whole country strong. Making India a material and spiritually prosperous Nation would be our befitting tribute to them. But, to lead the world as 'vishwaguru' we need to change our strategy", Mohan Bhagat stated while taking the dedication of Israelis to establish Israel as a Nation to becoming a global power as an example.
Mohan Bhagwat also urged for the book to be translated into Manipuri and other Indian languages so that everyone can read and understand the contribution of Manipur in the freedom struggle.
The book entitled ‘Unsung Anglo-Manipuri War Heroes at Kalapani’ was released by the RSS chief and the titular king of Manipur and Rajya Sabha MP, Leishemba Sanajaoba.
Co-author of the book, Hanjabam Sukhdev Sharma said that even in difficult times the war heroes of Manipur protested against the food provided for them while they were imprisoned at Mount Manipur (earlier Mount Harriet) as the food was against the Vaishnavite culture.
When the Manipuri war heroes were not allowed to return home, they decided to rest till their last breath at holy pilgrimages like Nabadwip, Radha Kund and Vrindavan. Maharaja Bhagyachandra died at Nabadwip, while Maharaja Kullachandra died at Radha Kund, Sukhdev Sharma said while urging the Government to preserve and promote the heritage, he informed.