The Indigenous tribes and communities of Manipur in the Delhi-NCR region celebrated World Indigenous Peoples Day 2025 at the India Habitat Centre on Saturday. Organized by the Working Group of the World Indigenous Day Celebration, the event became a vibrant exhibit of heritage, traditions, and shared historical legacies.
Participants showcased their rich cultures through traditional attire exhibitions, music and dance performances, and storytelling sessions that highlighted their ancestral roots. While these festivities radiated joy and color, the gathering also emphasized the importance of unity, mutual respect, and solidarity among Indigenous tribes of Manipur, particularly in the context of the ongoing Manipur crisis and the struggles of smaller communities.
Key tribal leaders such as Dr. Puni Losii, President of the Mao Union, Chongom Lalpu, Advisor of the Aimol Tribe Union, and Mr. Serto Ahao, President of the Kom Union, spoke about the historical connections between Indigenous tribes and Meitei rulers, as well as the sacrifices recorded in history.
Khuraijam Athouba, Convenor of COCOMI, highlighted the need for better representation of Indigenous groups in the Manipur legislature to protect the interests of smaller tribes that are at risk of extinction. A standout moment of the event was a traditional attire showcase, where attendees expressed pride in their identities through elaborate cultural outfits.
Despite an estimated hundred thousand Indigenous people residing in the NCR, there is currently no unified representative platform for them. This event marked the second consecutive year of celebrating World Indigenous Day in Delhi.
Nongdrenkhomba Singh from the Meitei Heritage Society called for the establishment of a common platform for all Indigenous individuals from Manipur living in the capital. Ruchida Sharma, Advisor to the Ningols United Progressive Initiative, emphasized the alarming trend of Indigenous communities becoming minorities in their own homeland, urging collective action to address this issue.
The event attracted a diverse range of organizations, including the Aimol Tribe Union, Delhi Manipuri Society, Kom Union, Mao Union, Manipur Innovative Youth Organisation, Manipur Students’ Association Delhi, Meitei Heritage Society, Ningols United Progressive Initiative, Team Meitei Personalities, United Kakching Students, Zeliangrong Students Union Delhi, and representatives from various tribes including Aimol, Anal, Inpui, Kom, Liangmei, Mao, Meitei, Rongmei, and Zeme.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/indigenous-tribes-of-manipur-unite-in-delhi-to-mark-world-indigenous-peoples-day-2025-1259016-2025-08-10?utm_source=rssfeed
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-08-10 19:37:00
