Manipur celebrated the birth anniversary of its famous son, Irabot, on September 30, 2008. The Manipur Dramatic Union paid tribute to the leader of the masses with a play, Lamyanba Irabot.

Irabot, a multi-faceted personality who worked for the betterment of the people, was born in the early part of the 20th century.

The play, written and directed by Telem Upendra Singh, highlights his contribution in various fields — from the theatre movement in Manipur to his literary activities to his nationalist and communist ideals.

The Manipur Dramatic Union has one of the oldest drama halls in Manipur. Irabot was one of the founder members of the hall. He played the role of Kumudo in the first-ever drama of Manipur, Nara Singh.

He was also associated with many literary activities. He was a founder member of Manipur Sahitya Parishad, the oldest literary organisation of the state.

The play also tells us the story of Irabot’s protests against the puppet rule of the king and the British colonisers and subsequent imprisonment. His songs, poems and newspaper articles inculcated nationalism among the people.

After Manipur merged with India in 1949, a plan was chalked out to create a separate state called Purbanchal, compromising Cachar, Tripura and Manipur.

Irabot opposed the decision, as a result of which Manipur survived as an independent state.

Irabot, who is known as a friend of workers and farmers, also fought for the fundamental rights of prisoners who were subjected to inhuman torture.

The play gives us a glimpse of Irabot’s participation in the Communist movement and his last days in the border village of Thango in Burma.

It successfully portrays the man as a jananeta, a born leader of the people.

P. Sanatomba Singh, who played the role of Irabot, enthralled the audience with his portrayal of Irabot.

The performance of Th. Brajabidhu as a police officer and N. Modhubala as Irabot’s wife must be mentioned.

The communist song which invoked people’s sentiments at that time, Thang gol ado maya thouna, was sung by playback singer T. Dinamani under the direction of music director L. Subol. Associate director and assistant director B. Jugolchandra Sharma and A. Kholchandra’s contributions are worth mentioning, too.