New Delhi, Sep 21, 2014: Indigenous communities from across the national capital came together for the 12th Fresher’s Meet cum Get-Together organised by the Tripura Students’ Forum Delhi (TSFD) on Sunday, September 21.
The event was graced by two prominent social activists: Binalakshmi Nepram, founder of the Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network, as the chief guest, and Alana Golmei, founding member and general secretary of the North East Support Centre & Helpline, as the special guest. Mr. Peter Dengzongpa, principal of Taktse School, Gangtok, along with several student leaders from the Northeast, also attended the gathering.
In her address as the chief guest, Binalakshmi Nepram encouraged the students to take pride in their language, dress, and history. She urged them to use their knowledge and skills for the benefit of their community. “Living in Delhi is not easy; it's like riding a bull. You either get crushed, or you rise to the top. In this city, you have to fight for your rights, and you should be well-equipped to do so,” she emphasized.
Nepram also highlighted the historical connections between Manipur and Tripura during the princely era. She pointed out that the Kingdom of Tripura, ruled by the Manikya or Fa dynasty, has records in the Mahabharata and is mentioned in the 8th-century Ashokan Pillar. She expressed concern about how Tripura is often mischaracterized as a “lost state” despite its rich heritage.
She also touched on contemporary issues, including the continued enforcement of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in tribal areas, and the erasure of historical landmarks. “The historical Ujjayanta Palace's name was almost removed but was saved by the protest of indigenous people and civil society. However, other landmarks like the Astabal Ground have been renamed, and statues of Khudiram Bose, Lenin, and Che Guevara are all over the state, but there’s nothing to represent the rich history of Tripura,” Nepram added.
The event featured a variety of performances by Tripura students, including traditional Kokborok dance, Bingi Chrow, and other musical and dance items in Hindi and English.
Alana Golmei shared her personal experiences of facing discrimination when she first arrived in Delhi in 2005. “I was shy at first, but as I faced discrimination, I grew bolder and have been protesting ever since,” she said, inspiring the students to stand up for their rights.
The program concluded with a delicious dinner, bringing the event to a vibrant and joyful close.
In a similar vein, the All Assamese Students’ Association, New Delhi, held its ‘Freshtival’ 2014 at Dilli Haat, INA Market. Three young social activists—Abhijit Shandilyoung Sharmah, JT Tagam, and Bruce K. Thangkhal—were felicitated with traditional Assamese shawls by the association.
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