North American Manipur Association (NAMA) Hosts a Joyous and Meaningful 34th Annual Convention in Boston
Video compiled by Airi Haobam
Boston, MA — Over the Independence Day (United States) weekend, the North American Manipur Association (NAMA) held its 34th Annual Convention in the suburbs of the historic city of Boston, Massachusetts, bringing together families, youth, and elders from across the U.S. and Canada for a vibrant celebration of culture, tradition, and connection.
The festivities began on the evening of July 4th with a warm, casual pre-convention meet and greet at the picturesque Windy Knob Farm in Millis, MA. The evening featured cheerful family introductions, a delicious spread of traditional Manipuri cuisine including kang khechri, ooti, singju, eromba, chagempomba, etc, lively rounds of tambola housie (bingo), and a spirited thaabal chongba under the open summer moonlit sky — setting a festive tone for the weekend.
The main convention day on July 5th opened with a moving rendition of the U.S. National Anthem performed by talented NAMA youth. This was followed by a soulful presentation of “Sana Leibak Manipur” led by Dr.Ruhikanta Amom and joined by the New England host families. The performances beautifully underscored the unique blend of diasporic identity present at the event.
The program continued with a heartfelt welcome address in Manipuri by Venus Senjam, representing the New England host families. Venus extended a gracious welcome to all attendees traveling from near and far, expressing the joy and pride of the local families in hosting this milestone event.
In his Presidential Address, Dr. Thoihen Heisnam extended a warm welcome to all attendees and reflected on NAMA’s growth, emphasizing its renewed commitment to youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and community connections. Following this, Priyananda Soubam, Treasurer, presented the financial report, offering transparency and optimism about NAMA’s promising future trajectory.
A highlight of the event was the recognition of NAMA’s graduating Class of 2025, celebrating their academic achievements across high school, college, and graduate school. Representing the graduates, Bryan Hijam delivered an inspiring speech, encouraging young NAMA members to “stay curious and follow your passion.”
The event also featured the official launch of the NAMA Youth Film Festival, spearheaded by Dillon Laishram. This new initiative aims to amplify creative voices within the diaspora.
Adding significant prestige to the day, the event was graced by special dignitaries:
• Colonel Joykumar Hanglem, who served as Chief Guest, and
• Ms. Nancy Yambem, one of NAMA’s founding members, as Guest of Honor.
Their presence and reflections greatly enriched the day’s proceedings.
Dr. Lalit Pukhrambam, Chair of the Board of Trustees of NAMA, addressed the gathering with a blend of vision and warmth. Adding to the day’s inspiration, founding and senior NAMA members Dhritakumar Sinha and Bhishambor Moirangthem delivered powerful speeches, deeply rooted in the organization’s rich history and promising future.
The award ceremony proudly recognized the talented winners of NAMA’s painting, essay, and certificate design competitions, beautifully showcasing the depth and creativity of the community’s youth.
Attendees then savored a sumptuous Manipuri lunch, featuring traditional dishes such as singju, eromba, pakora thongba, and nga-thongba. This provided a wonderful opportunity for conversations to flow, friendships to rekindle, and new connections to form. The afternoon seamlessly transitioned into a dazzling cultural program that showcased a rich tapestry of talents, including traditional and modern dances, melodious songs by both young and senior members, and captivating renditions of beloved classics.
As the event drew to a close, Dr. Raju Huidrom, NAMA’s General Secretary, offered a heartfelt vote of thanks. He expressed profound gratitude to all attendees for contributing to the event’s success, with a special acknowledgment for the New England host families’ exceptional generosity, hospitality, and tireless behind-the-scenes efforts.
The celebration ended on a high note with a traditional mou jagoi by the ladies of NAMA and one final round of thabal chongba, leaving everyone with full hearts and lasting memories.
As the curtain falls on this year’s convention, we extend our deepest gratitude once again to the host families of New England for their warmth, unwavering dedication, and gracious spirit.
This year’s NAMA Convention was more than just an event; it was a powerful reaffirmation of our shared identity, transcending geographical boundaries. We eagerly anticipate seeing everyone, and many new faces, at the 35th Annual NAMA Convention in 2026!
#NAMA2025 #NorthAmericanManipurAssociation #BostonConvention #DiasporaUnity #CelebratingRoots