‘Credit goes to all members of our organization. We are happy that the Government of Japan has recognized our sincere effort. Generally, they have a poor image about the State. We will try to carry forward our activities for better relationship’: Dr. Thangjam Dhabali Singh
Biswadeep Gupta
‘Credit goes to all members of our organization. We are happy that the Government of Japan has recognized our sincere effort. Generally, they have a poor image about the State. We will try to carry forward our activities for better relationship’: Dr. Thangjam Dhabali Singh
These were the reaction given by Dr. Thangjam Dhabali Singh when we contacted him on the news of he being included in Japan’s “Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” award.
The Government of Japan announced the list of foreign recipients on 29th April a release from the Embassy of Japan in India informed.
Dr. Thangjam Dhabali Singh, Former President, Manipur Tourism Forum, is among this year’s foreign recipients and, in recognition of his contributions to promoting the understanding of Japan in India, and friendship between Japan and India, Dr. Singh will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays.
Dr. Singh had been the President of Manipur Tourism Forum (MTF) from 2012 to 2017. Imphal city, the Capital of Manipur, is known for the Battle of Imphal that took place between Japan and the British forces during World War II.
Dr. Singh has been working diligently towards the promotion of friendship between Japan and Imphal, which has a common history with Japan, and where the souls of several soldiers from both countries lie at rest and has been providing assistance to various organizations.
Dr. Singh recognizes the importance of preserving the memories of the Battle of Imphal for the future generations and took the initiative to organize the first-ever ceremony of the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Imphal.
Dr. Singh, as the President of MTF, hosted the ceremony, and a lot of Japanese citizens, including officials of the Embassy of Japan in India, participated in it.
With the support of Sasakawa Peace Foundation and Nippon Foundation, the Imphal Peace Museum was opened on 22nd June 2019, towards the construction of which the MTF played an important and central role. Dr. Singh oversaw the construction since its beginning and made an enormous contribution for its successful completion, as the then President of MTF.
As it conveys the announcement of his receiving the decoration, the Embassy of Japan in India pays tribute to Dr. Singh’s long years of service for consolidating the Japan-India relationship, the Japanese embassy release stated.
The Order of the Rising Sun is awarded by the Emperor of Japan to individuals, both Japanese and foreign in recognition of long and/or especially meritorious service.
It was established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji and created on April 10, 1875 as the first national decoration of Japan. The order of the Rising Sun is the third highest conferred order following the Order of the Chrysanthemum which is reserved for Heads of State and Royalty and the Order of the Paulownia Flowers mostly given to politicians.
The modern version of this award has been conferred on non-Japanese recipients from 1981. The order is administered by the Decoration Bureau of the Cabinet Office headed by the Japanese Prime Minister and awarded in the name of the Emperor.
Dr. Dhabali is one of the prominent doctor as well as an entrepreneur of Manipur who not only have been successful in his entrepreneurial endeavours but is an inspiration to many in the state and the region for his multi-faceted social outlook.
Manipur being a conflict-ridden state, it is commendable that the personalities of Dr. Dhabali will remain an inspiration to the youths and society at large.
