Eighty-one years ago, on 14th April of 1944, the Tricolour flag of India was first hoisted in Moirang of Manipur, and the day has been commemorated today with solemnity and pride at the INA War Museum cum Library in Moirang, Bishnupur District.
The event was organised by the Department of Art and Culture.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla led the observance by hoisting the Indian tricolour at Moirang Kangla, marking the very site where the INA, under the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, first hoisted the national flag on Indian soil.
The Governor also paid floral tributes to the statue of Netaji, honouring his pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence.
A highlight of the celebration was a patriotic motorcycle rally.
Over 100 bikers rode in unison from the India Peace Memorial at Maibam Lotpa Ching to Moirang, proudly carrying the tricolour in tribute to the INA’s historic achievement.
Dignitaries present at the event included Moirang AC MLA Thongam Shanti, Retd. Lt. Gen. Konsam Himalay, Zonal President of ABPSSP (NE), Maj. Gen. Js Nanda SM Retd., President of ABPSSP Punjab Prant, Maj. Gen. S S Kartikeya SM of the 57th Mountain Division, Brigadier Neeraj Sharma, Dy IGAR (South), and M. Joy, Special Commissioner, Department of Art and Culture.
In his address, Governor Bhalla described as a hotspot of arts, culture and historical significance and even referred Moirang as a cultural capital of national pride, where the flame of India’s independence was first ignited by the INA.
Reinforcing the significance of INA’s role in shaping the society, the Governor calls for unity and peace among the people of Manipur which has been reeling under unrest.
