Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh released a Burmese-Manipuri souvenir marking Rajarshi Bhagyachandra’s 228th death anniversary, stressing heritage, peace and coexistence.
Imphal, Oct. 6: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday released a bilingual Burmese-Manipuri souvenir commemorating the 228th death anniversary of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra at a function held at the Darbar Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat at Babupura, Imphal.
The souvenir has been published by the Rajarshi Bhagyachandra Cultural Foundation, Manipur, in association with the Indo-Myanmar Fraternal Alliance. It will be distributed during the Punyatithi observance of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra scheduled to be held in Mandalay, Myanmar, on October 13.
Speaking at the function, Chief Minister Khemchand said historical accounts indicate that most kings of Manipur spent around 100 days a year in the hills. He said such historical experiences were important in understanding the role played by earlier generations in bringing different communities together and facilitating interaction among them.
Honoured to release the bilingual (Burmese-Manipuri) souvenir commemorating the 228th Death Anniversary of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra today at the Darbar Hall of my Secretariat. The souvenir will be distributed in Mandalay, Myanmar, on 13th October, 2026, during the observance of the 228th Punyatithi of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra. The solemn ceremony was organised by the Rajarshi Bhagyachandra Cultural Foundation (RBCF), Manipur. The function was attended by Shri R.K. Shivachandra Singh, President, Indo-Myanmar Fraternal Alliance; Shri R.K. Jitendrajit Singh, President, RBCF, Manipur; Shri Th. Dhanakumar Singh, General Secretary, RBCF and Shri K. Brajamani Sharma, Gita Sanman Awardee, as distinguished guests. Rajarshi Bhagyachandra's immense contribution to Manipuri culture, spirituality and Vaishnavism continues to inspire generations. Indian classical dance is indeed incomplete without the divine Raas Leela, which was his greatest gift to the world. Let us all join hands to spread his eternal message of peace, harmony and cultural unity across borders.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) October 6, 2026
According to the Chief Minister, these historical interactions also contributed to strengthening the idea of a united Manipur.
He said Manipur’s historical and cultural presence extends beyond the State’s present geographical boundaries. Referring to places including Assam, Dimapur and Meghalaya, Khemchand said elders had preserved a place and identity for Manipur through institutions and settlements known as Rajbari.
He described the continued recognition of Manipur’s historical presence outside the State as a matter of pride for its people.
Highlighting the legacy of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra, the Chief Minister said the title “Rajarshi” reflected his role not only as a king but also as a spiritual leader. He said Bhagyachandra, as a visionary ruler, played a seminal role in introducing and establishing Ras Lila, which has since become one of Manipur’s most distinguished cultural traditions.
Khemchand said Manipuri Ras Lila’s contribution to India’s classical dance tradition is widely recognised and that Manipur’s cultural heritage occupies an important place in the broader tradition of Indian classical performing arts.
The Chief Minister also referred to the historical relationship between Manipur and Assam. He said geographical proximity and historical links, including those established through the marriage of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra’s daughter, helped strengthen relations between the people of the two regions.
He also noted that a book has been published documenting the historical role played by Bhagyachandra’s daughter in strengthening ties with the people of the erstwhile Ahom Kingdom in Assam.
Khemchand said such historical connections demonstrated that the cultural and social ties established between Manipur and neighbouring regions in earlier periods have continued into the present. He described these bonds as part of the legacy of the visionary leadership of Manipur’s kings.
The Chief Minister urged people to view Manipur within its wider historical and geographical context rather than in isolation. He said considering the State’s relatively small geographical size as the entire world would be a misunderstanding, given its historical connections with neighbouring States and diverse communities.
He stressed that peaceful coexistence among all communities was essential for Manipur’s development. According to him, sustained development would be possible only when different communities are able to live together peacefully.
Referring to the impact of the conflict that began on May 3, 2023, Khemchand said the government and people of Manipur had suffered considerable collateral damage, particularly in the economic sphere.
He said the prolonged crisis had contributed to a decline of more than Rs 1,200 crore in GST revenue, while frequent bandhs and blockades had further disrupted economic activity. Recent reports have also quoted the Chief Minister as putting the daily loss in tax revenue from such disruptions at around Rs 25–30 crore.
Khemchand said the economic impact was particularly severe for daily wage earners and other sections dependent on regular economic activity. He appealed to people and civil society organisations to avoid resorting to bandhs and blockades and urged that differences and grievances be addressed through dialogue.
Drawing an analogy from nature, the Chief Minister said that just as a withered flower becomes fresh again with the arrival of monsoon rain, Manipur could regain its vitality as peace and economic activity return.
He appealed to all sections of society to contribute towards strengthening the message of peace, coexistence and development, saying collective efforts could help Manipur move forward on the path of development.
Those present at the function included R.K. Shivachandra Singh, President of the Indo-Myanmar Fraternal Alliance; Kakchingtabam Brajamani Sharma, Gita Sanman awardee; R.K. Jitendrajit Singh, President of the Rajarshi Bhagyachandra Cultural Foundation, Manipur; and Th. Dhanakumar Singh, General Secretary of the Rajarshi Bhagyachandra Cultural Foundation, Manipur, among others.
