Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board (LSTB) Manipur Member Secretary Maisnam Shivadutta Luwang laid the foundation stone for the construction of a Sanamahi Sanglen and a Sonnapung in Kunagaon, Bangladesh.
A stone laying ceremony was held as part of the foundation stone laying ceremony, which was organized by Lainingthou Sanamahi Laining Lup, Kunagaon Bangladesh.
The event was attended by Lainingthou Sanamahi Laining Lup Kunagaon, Bangladesh vice-president Keisham Monindro, Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Sougrakpam Hemanta (popularly known as Oja Tolhan), and LSTB, Manipur Piba Loisang Thoubu, Yendrembam Nando Luwang as the presidium members.
During his speech, Shivadutta Luwang expressed contentment that the people of Kunagaon have immense love for their Motherland Manipur and have been striving to promote the dying indigenous culture and tradition.
He also informed the audience that written applications have been submitted to relevant authorities, with the help of the Chief Minister, to recognize Sanamahi followers as a minority. Proposals have also been raised to include Sanamahi religion in the census code.
Shivadutta Luwang called for cohesive efforts to promote Sanamahi faith and preserve the aged indigenous culture and traditions.
He also handed over an amount of Rs 1,96,000 (One lakh ninety-six thousand rupees) raised by LSTB Manipur through a fund drive for the construction of the said Sanamahi Sanglen and Sonnapung and assured of extending the best possible help for the cause.
Lastly, he appealed to the Manipuri diaspora of Bangladesh to strive earnestly for the revival of Sanamahi faith and its promotion. The event was a significant step towards the promotion and preservation of the ancient Sanamahi faith and its culture and traditions.