Manipuri Association of Canada

The Manipuri Association of Canada (ꯃꯅꯤꯄꯨꯔꯤ ꯑꯦꯁꯣꯁꯤꯌꯦꯁꯟ ꯑꯣꯐ ꯀꯦꯅꯥꯗꯥ, MAC[1]) is an organization that supports the Manipuri community in Canada. It provides assistance in education, immigration, cultural programs, and community events.[2][3]

History and purpose

MAC was founded to assist people from Manipur, India, living in Canada. The association helps community members pursue higher education, immigration processes, and cultural activities, while also providing support during times of need.[4]

Advisories and community guidance

Immigration and Study Guidance (February 2025)

On February 13, 2025, MAC urged individuals interested in studying or immigrating to Canada to contact the association before consulting other agencies or spending large sums of money. The association stated that it provides necessary assistance free of charge.[4]

According to MAC, some students reported that certain immigration consultancy services charged excessive fees for guidance. While recognizing consultancy firms for their support, MAC discouraged irrelevant or high fees. The association clarified that fees required by the Canadian Immigration Authority or for legitimate consultancy services are acceptable, but exorbitant charges for guidance are inappropriate. MAC emphasized that such practices add financial strain on students and newcomers, and urged parents and immigrants to take the matter seriously.[4]

Conventions

6th Biennial Convention (August 2022)

MAC held its 6th Biennial Convention online on August 27, 2022. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam attended the event.[5][6]

MAC President Dr. Prithiviraj Kangjam (alias Yaiphaba) stated that the association has been dedicated to assisting "Kangleichas" with education, immigration, and community support. The Chief Minister and Works Minister encouraged the Meitei diaspora to contribute to the development of Manipur.[5][6]

A cultural program featured artists from Manipur, including Pusparani, Chitra, Pinky, Arbin, Kennedy, and the Nokphade team (Rohini Kumar & team). Children from across Canada also participated in a talent show.[5][6]

The convention elected the new executive team for 2022–2024:

  • President: Dr. Prithiviraj Kangjam (Vancouver)
  • Vice President: Russiachand Heikham (Montreal)
  • Secretary: Tolen Moirangthem (Saskatoon)
  • Assistant Secretary cum Treasurer: Dayananda Paonam (Toronto)
  • Executive Members: Milanda Roy (Manitoba), Daisy (Toronto)[5][6]

An advisory committee was also formed, consisting of Dr. Joy Laishram, Joy Chabungbam, Sujata Chabungbam, Promud Hamom, Ananta Singha, Sarda Heigrujam, Ranibala Kshetrimayum, and Shanta Konthoujam, to guide the executive team.[5][6]

2nd Biennial Convention (June 2013)

The Second Biennial Convention was held from June 29–30, 2013, in Ontario. The event included three parts: a reception party at Dr. Raj's residence, the main convention at the Parkway Sheraton Convention Centre, Richmond Hill, and a closing party at Dr. Joy Laishram's residence.[7]

During the business session, MAC elected:

  • Chairman, Board of Directors: Dr. Joy Laishram
  • President, Executive Committee: Dr. Amuchou Soraisham
  • Secretary: Promud Hamom
  • Treasurer: Satya Nongthombam[7]

The convention approved several initiatives, including a mandatory Student Volunteering Program for Grades 11–12 in Manipur, a treasury of Manipuri ethnic exhibits and costumes, and the MAC Academic Awards for Canadian Manipuri students (Grade 10 competition and awards of appreciation for all grades).[7]

The cultural program included:

The valedictory function involved the exchange of MAC souvenirs. The closing party included swimming, soccer, BBQ, and Thabal Chongba, a traditional Manipuri dance. The next convention was announced to be in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in 2015.[7]

Establishment of the Dr. Ibeyaima Innovative Award

On February 16, 2013, the Manipuri Association of Canada (MAC) established the Dr. Ibeyaima Innovative Award to honor Manipuri individuals excelling in agriculture, science and technology, entrepreneurship, and craftsmanship. The award, featuring a cash prize of Rs 20,000, is presented annually at the Manipur Science and Technology Council (MASTEC) Science Meet, with the prize scheduled to increase by Rs 2,000 every two years. A memorandum of understanding between MAC and MASTEC formalized the award, and the signing ceremony included presentations on MAC's activities and the Boston-based Manipur International Centre.[8][9][10]

Humanitarian financial aid

In January 2024, the Manipuri Association of Canada initiated a fundraising campaign in Canada, raising ₹60,000 (US$710) to assist victims of ethnic violence in Manipur, India.[11]

Cultural activities

India Day Celebration (August 2013)

MAC participated in the India Day Celebration in Toronto on August 10, 2013, organized by Panorama India, a pan-Canada cultural organization. A group of Manipuri women from the Greater Toronto Area represented MAC in the parade, wearing traditional Phanek and Innaphi.[12]

During the cultural program at Dundas Square, six Manipuri women (Sujata, Melinda, Sangeena, Sucheta, Sheetal, and Seabird) performed Leima Jagoi, introducing Manipur to the multicultural crowd. Their performance was praised for its professionalism and invited again for the 2014 Republic Day Celebration in Toronto.[12]

MAC also hosted Laishram Nandakumar Singh, MLA of Manipur, on August 4, 2013, at a reception in Whitby, Ontario. He encouraged Manipuris abroad to support each other and assist development in Manipur. Members presented him with gifts, MAC souvenirs, and a memento, and briefed him about MAC's projects and achievements.[12]

Festivals

Ningol Chakkouba (September 2021)

MAC celebrated Ningol Chakkouba on September 26, 2021, at Island Lake Conservation Area, Ontario. The festival promotes love and respect between brothers and sisters and strengthens family and community ties. Families from various communities across Canada participated in the celebration.[13]

See also

References

  1. ^ "MAC clarifies". www.thesangaiexpress.com. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
  2. ^ "Unity Summit seeks to face challenges unitedly". www.thesangaiexpress.com. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
  3. ^ Khumukcham, Rinku (2023-11-29). "Global Meitei Unity Summit discusses ways to find solution to the Manipur crisis". News from Manipur - Imphal Times. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
  4. ^ a b c "MAC offers help to Manipuri students : 14th feb25 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
  5. ^ a b c d e "MAC holds 6th Biennial Convention 2022 : 01st sep22 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
  6. ^ a b c d e Khumukcham, Rinku (2022-09-01). "6th Biennial Convention of Manipur Association Canada held virtually". News from Manipur - Imphal Times. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
  7. ^ a b c d e "Canadian Manipuris keep alive their roots : 06th jul13 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
  8. ^ "Innovative award instituted : 17th feb13 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
  9. ^ "Application invited for Dr Ibeyaima Innovation Award". www.thesangaiexpress.com. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
  10. ^ "Dr Ibeyaima innovation award 2020 : 03rd nov20 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
  11. ^ "Global citizens lend support to families of 8 terror victims". www.thesangaiexpress.com.
  12. ^ a b c "Manipuri diasporas take part in India Day celebration : 13th aug13 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
  13. ^ "'Ningol Chakkouba' celebrated in Canada : 30th sep21 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
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