Now Puya made more accessible to public Study calibre of forefathers : Meghen

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 26 : Highlighting the wealth of knowledge preserved in the Puyas (sacred scriptures), former UNLF Chairman Ningthemcha Sanayaima alias RK Meghen has urged the youth to examine the high intellectual calibre of Manipuri forefathers.
The former rebel leader made the remark during the book release function of "Puya: The Sacred Book" in Bengali script held today at the residence of Padma Shri awardee Late Pandit N Khelchandra Singh at Uripok Ningthoukhongjam Leikai.
The book was compiled and transcribed by Kangjam Bidhu and Late Laiphrak-pam Asokumar from 162 Puyas written in Meitei Mayek 36 (older version of Meitei Mayek script containing 36 letters, including the 27 core letters plus 9 derived ones).
Speaking as the chief guest, RK Meghen said transcribing the sacred texts to Bengali script took around 20 years which is not a short period. However, reviving ancient wisdom of the Puyas through such easily accessible books will preserve knowledge for future generations.
Lauding the publication of the Puyas as a book that modern readers can access and understand, he added that it will help people directly engage with wisdom which was previously limited to scholars and custodians of the Puyas.
Further, he noted the significance of holding the book release function here at the residence of a celebrated figure known for preserving old records and enriching Meitei heritage through his extensive writings, dictionaries, and translations.
According to scholars, the Puyas cover a wide range of knowledge- from detailed accounts of social life, governance, medicine and rituals to even deeper explorations of the cosmos, philosophy, human origins, genealogy, folklore and ethical living.
He expressed apprehension that if these texts are allowed to remain as ancient scriptures without any effort to introduce their wisdom to a modern audience, their wisdom will be lost and remain inaccessible to posterity.  
However, the Puya publication has reignited the hope of saving the knowledge contained in the sacred scriptures, he said.
 "Let this mark the dawn of a chapter wherein the youth are sincerely engaged in studying the intellectual prowess of our forefathers, the Maichous etc through such books", added RK Meghen.
The book release function was also attended by columnist Laishram Memo as the functional president with Ningthoukhongjam Debendra and Kangjam Bidhu as guests of honour.