-Rorrkychand Wahengbam
Imphal: In commemoration of the 163rd years of Siphai Vidroh, Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangha (RSS), Manipur Prant; Seva Bharati, Manipur and National Medicos Organisation (NMO), Manipur have jointly organised Rakta-Dhara, a Blood Donation Camp at the Blood Bank and Transfusion Unit of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal.
Seva Bharati, Manipur has been organising blood donations across the state of Manipur every year in remembering the contributions and sacrifices of Indian freedom fighters.
It may be recalled that the rebellion began on 10th May 1857 in Meerut by Sepoys against the rule of British East India Company and spread to Delhi, Agra, Kanpur and Lucknow posing a serious threat to the then British rule. It is referred as the first uprising of a Swaraj Bharat, which is also often called as First War of Independence.
The Siphai Vidroh of 1857 occurred as a result of various factors mainly British paramountcy (British dominance in Indian political, economic, and cultural life), increasing pace of westernisation affecting the Hindu culture, ideas and religious beliefs and introduction of Enfield Rifles with cartridges greased with animal (beef and pork) fat.
The valour, sacrifice and contribution of freedom fighters like Mangal Pandey, who was a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry regiment of the British East India Company and Rani Lakshmi Bai, the Rani of Jhansi and others are commendable and needs to be remembered.
As a result of the revolt, rule of company was over and India Office was created with the passing of administration of India onto the Crown of British. British decided not disregard the Indian rulers.
Along with the commemoration of 163rd years of “Siphai Vidroh”, and in view of the shortage of blood at this time of crisis due to COVID-19 pandemic, under the theme of Rakta Dhara,the blood donation was conducted on 5 (five) Sundays beginning from 10th May 2020 and concluded on 12th July 2020. A total of 119 units of blood were collected during the donation camp.
