AWAKENINGS

Manipur was originally called as Kangleipak from 33 – 154 BC.    During the reign of Emperor Pamheiba Garib Niwaz (1709–1748), the name of the kingdom was changed from "Kangleipak" into "Manipur".   Manipur is called a Jewel of India because it is surrounded by nine hills with an oval-shaped valley at the center – resembling a jewel. Manipur is one of the 8 North-Eastern States. Its neighboring country is Myanmar.   Manipur Centre Region is the Imphal valley consisting of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur – these regions being densely populated and dominated by the Meitei people, whereas the outer districts are primarily hilly, sparsely populated and dominated by non-Meitei people – especially Kukis and Nagas.  The people in the valley are predominantly Hindus and those in the Hills are primarily Christians. Orange Portion of the map of Manipur above – the dense urban valley region - is inhabited by Meitei Hindus and that of Green Portion

Awareness campaign against drugs   To save the youth of Jammu and Kashmir from drugs, many innovative efforts have been visible. Programs like Musical Night, Bike Rallies are happening there.   To spread this message in Chandigarh, Local Clubs have been linked with it. They call these VADA clubs. VADA means Victory Against Drug Abuse. Many sports groups have also been formed in Punjab, which are running awareness campaigns to focus on fitness and get rid of drug addiction.   The increasing participation of youth in the campaign against drug abuse is very encouraging. These efforts lend a lot of strength to the campaign against drugs in India. If we want to save the future generations of the country, we have to keep them away from drugs. With this thought, 'NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyan' was launched on the 15 August 2020. More than 11 crore people have been connected with this campaign.   Two weeks ago, India has taken a huge action against drugs. After seizing about

Nag Panchami 21 st  August 2023 Shukla Paksha Panchami during Sawan month is observed as Nag Panchami. Nag Panchami is a traditional worship of serpent Godsobserved by Hindus throughout India.   Currently Nag Panchami falls in month of July and August in English calendar.   Women worship Nag Devta and offer milk to snakes on this day.   Women also pray for the wellness of their brothers and family. Varalakshmi Vratam - 25 th  August 2023 – Friday Varalakshmi, who is the consort of Lord Vishnu, is one of the forms of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Varalakshmi was incarnated from the milky ocean, popularly known as Kshir Sagar. She is described as having the complexion of milky ocean and adorns similar color clothes.   Varalakshmi Puja day is one of the significant days to worship the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that the Varalakshmi form of the goddess bestows boons and fulfills all desires of her devotees. Hence this form of the goddess is known as Vara + Lakshmi i.e. Godde