Rongmei Script

The formal launch of the Ruangmei tribe's script, known as Ruanghiak, took place at the Conference Hall of RBCC Centre Church in Tarung, Imphal. The event was attended by prominent figures including Dinganglung (Dipu) Gangmei, Chairman of HAC; Amu Kamei, President of Rongmei Naga People Organization; Thuankubui Pamei, former President of RNCM; Ramkung Pamei, President of Rongmei Naga Council Manipur; Ragongning Gangmei, President of Rongmei Literature Society; and Rev KG Jaojianlung Gangmei, Chairman of Interim Body for Ruanghiak Development and Promotion (IBRDP).

Image: from G Gangmei's Books

During the event, Dipu Gangmei emphasized the importance of recognizing and honoring Huaineiguang Rwangmei, the General Secretary of IBRDP and Ruangmei Literature Society, for his dedicated efforts in creating the script. Ragongning Gangmei described the occasion as historic for the Ruangmei (Rongmei) community, as the script was launched after years of research and the contributions of numerous Ruangmei intellectuals.

The Ruangmei script, Ruanghiak, encompasses vowels, consonants, and a numerical system. A booklet related to Ruanghiak was also unveiled during the event. The launch was attended by leaders from various Ruangmei civil society organizations, student groups, youth organizations, and Rongmei Luphuam Manipur.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks from Kadongai Panmei, the Secretary of RLS, followed by a closing prayer delivered by Rev Fr Tinglung, the Assistant Parish Priest of Khoupum Parish.

Sources:

The Sangai Express, Chronicle News Service via e-pao.net.

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The Rongmei community, a subgroup of the Naga tribe, resides across the states of Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland in India's northeastern region. They identify themselves as part of the larger Zeliangrong Naga community. The Indian government's actions have led to concerns about the preservation of their unique identities. While a significant portion of the Rongmei population is concentrated in Manipur, there is also a notable presence in Assam's Barak Valley. Their primary language is Rongmei, also known as Ruanglat. The term "Rongmei" is a combination of two words: "Nruang," meaning South, and "mei," meaning people, signifying "people of the south." The Ethnologue, an international language database, recognizes their language with the code "NBU" for the Rongmei dialect (https://www.ethnologue.com/language/nbu). The Rongmei tribe has a historical connection with Barak (Aguh) Valley, where they are considered one of the earlie...

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