View source for Archive:British Meitei

{{Short description|Meitei community in the UK}}
{{Redirect-distinguish|British Manipuris|British Mirpuris}}
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{{Infobox ethnic group
| group            = Meiteis in the United Kingdom<br />(Manipuris in the United Kingdom)
| native_name      = [[File:Meitei transliteration of the term "Meitei".jpg|50px|]]
| native_name_lang = mni
| flag             = Flag of Kangleipak.svg
| flag_caption     = Meitei cultural flag
| image            = <!-- filename -->
| image_caption    =
| image_alt        = 
| image_uprigh     = 
| population       = <!-- total population worldwide -->
| total_year       = <!-- year of total population -->
| total_source     = <!-- source of total population; may be ''census'' or ''estimate'' -->
| total_ref        = <!-- references supporting total population -->
| total1           = <!-- up to | total3 = -->
| total1_year      = <!-- up to | total3_year = -->
| total1_source    = <!-- up to | total3_source = -->
| total1_ref       = <!-- up to | total3_ref = -->
| genealogy        = 
| regions          = 
| languages        = [[File:Meetei Mayek letter I.svg|20px]] [[Meitei language]] <br />{{small|(officially known as [[Manipuri language]])}}<br />[[British English]]<br />and other [[Languages of India|Indian languages]]
| religions        = [[File:Om.svg|15px]] [[Hinduism]] & [[File:The Symbol of Sanamahi.svg|20px]] [[Sanamahism]]
| related_groups   = other [[Indian British]] and [[Bangladeshi British]]
| footnotes        =  
}}
{{Contains special characters|Meitei}}

[[Meitei people]] ({{Script|Mtei|ꯃꯩꯇꯩ ꯃꯤꯌꯥꯝ}}), also referred to as the [[Manipuris]] ({{Script|Mtei|ꯃꯅꯤꯄꯨꯔꯤ ꯀꯥꯡꯂꯨꯞ}}),<ref>{{Cite web|date=2025-04-15|title=Meitei {{!}} Manipur, People, Culture, & Language {{!}} Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Meitei|access-date=2025-04-17|website=www.britannica.com|language=en}}</ref> constitute a small diaspora community in the [[United Kingdom]]. Originating from the [[northeastern India]]n state of [[Manipur]] and [[Meitei people in Bangladesh|other parts of South Asia]], the community is composed of individuals who have [[Immigration to the United Kingdom|migrated]] for purposes including [[Education in the United Kingdom|education]], [[Economy of the United Kingdom|employment]], and [[family reunification]]. While maintaining aspects of [[Meitei language|their linguistic]] and [[Meitei cultural heritage|cultural identity]], Meitei individuals in the UK participate in various sectors of society and are part of the broader [[South Asian British|South Asian British diaspora]] in the region.

== Culture ==
{{Further|Meitei culture|Meitei intangible cultural heritage}}

=== Cuisines ===
The British Meitei diaspora maintains traditional [[Meitei cuisine]], which includes dishes such as [[Fish in Meitei culture|Sareng Thongba, Rou Ataoba Thongba]], Ooti, Chagem Pomba, Khamen Kanghau, Thambou [[Singju]], and Bora. These dishes are typically prepared and consumed during [[Meitei festivals]], such as [[Ningol Chakouba]], observed by the diaspora community in [[Kent]].<ref name=":0" />

=== Dance and music ===

As part of its cultural initiatives aimed at engaging younger members of the British Meitei diaspora, the European Manipuri Association (EMA) organised a performance of [[Khamba Thoibi Jagoi|Thoibi Jagoi]] ({{Script|Mtei|ꯊꯣꯏꯕꯤ ꯖꯒꯣꯏ}}) in [[:en:Meitei clothing|traditional Meitei attire]]. The performance was accompanied by an explanatory segment outlining the symbolic elements and cultural significance of Meitei Jagoi (classical dance).<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

As part of its continued efforts to foster a sense of community and cultural identity among people of Manipuri origin, the European Manipuri Association (EMA) included a performance of the [[Meitei-language]] patriotic song "Ho Ima Poknafam Ima Nang-gumbi Leiroi Ima" ({{Script|Mtei|ꯍꯣ ꯏꯃꯥ ꯄꯣꯛꯅꯐꯝ ꯏꯃꯥ ꯅꯪꯒꯨꯝꯕꯤ ꯂꯩꯔꯣꯏ ꯏꯃꯥ}}), sung by its members. The performance took place in [[Worcester, England|Worcester]], United Kingdom, on 29 May 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|title=EMA Annual Social Gathering and General Body Meeting 25 27 May 2013 20130530|url=https://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Press_Release.Press_Release_2013.EMA_Annual_Social_Gathering_and_General_Body_Meeting_25_27_May_2013_20130530|access-date=2025-04-17|website=www.e-pao.net}}</ref>

[[:simple:Mangka Mayanglambam|Mangka Mayanglambam]] ({{Script|Mtei|ꯃꯪꯀꯥ ꯃꯌꯥꯡꯂꯝꯕꯝ}}), a Manipuri folk artiste, performed at the Focus Wales International Music Festival 2022, held in the United Kingdom in May. She presented a selection of Manipuri folk songs, along with a collaborative piece performed with Welsh singer Eadyth Crawford. The performances took place at five concerts in [[Wrexham]], [[Nottingham]], and London from May 5 to 11. The event was part of Ziro FOCUS 2022, a collaboration between FOCUS Wales and the Ziro Festival of Music (India), supported by the British Council and Arts Council of Wales under the Connections through Culture programme.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mangka to perform at UK event : 07th may22 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=59..070522.may22|access-date=2025-04-17|website=e-pao.net}}</ref>

=== Festivals ===
[[Ningol Chakouba]] ({{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯤꯉꯣꯜ ꯆꯥꯀꯧꯕ}}), a traditional [[Meitei festival]], was observed by the European Manipuri Association (EMA) on 14 November 2015 in [[Borstal, Rochester]], [[Kent]], UK, a day later than the traditional celebration in [[Manipur]]. The event saw the participation of both new and existing members of the Meitei diaspora from across Europe.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Ningol Chakouba at Kent United Kingdom UK 20151124|url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Press_Release.Press_Release_2015.Ningol_Chakouba_at_Kent_United_Kingdom_UK_20151124|access-date=2025-04-17|website=e-pao.net}}</ref>
The European Manipuri Association (EMA) organized the Ningol Chakouba festival in [[Flaunden]] village, [[Hertfordshire]], UK, on November 2, 2024. The event was attended by Manipuris from various ethnic backgrounds across Europe.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ningol Chakkouba celebrated widely : 05th nov24 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=16..051124.nov24|access-date=2025-04-17|website=e-pao.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-11-04|title=Manipuri Diaspora In Europe Celebrates 'Ningol Chakouba' With Unity And Cultural Pride {{!}} Ukhrul Times|url=https://ukhrultimes.com/manipuri-diaspora-in-europe-celebrates-ningol-chakouba-with-unity-and-cultural-pride/|access-date=2025-04-17|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Games and sports ===
{{Further|Meitei traditional games|Meitei traditional toys}}

As part of its cultural engagement initiatives targeting younger members, the European Manipuri Association (EMA) organised demonstrations of [[Meitei traditional games|traditional Meitei sports]], including Thouri-Chingnabi ({{Script|Mtei|ꯊꯧꯔꯤ ꯆꯤꯡꯅꯕꯤ}}) and Chaphu-Thugaibi ({{Script|Mtei|ꯆꯐꯨ ꯊꯨꯒꯥꯏꯕꯤ}}). These activities are regarded as integral components of Meitei cultural and sporting traditions.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=EMA UK members gather for annual general meeting|url=https://morungexpress.com/ema-uk-members-gather-annual-general-meeting|access-date=2025-04-17|website=MorungExpress}}</ref><ref name=":2" />

On July 24, 2012, the European Manipuri Association (EMA) met all 10 Olympians from the [[Northeast India]] in [[London]] to extend best wishes ahead of the [[2012 Summer Olympics]]. Out of 10 Olympians, 5 Olympians are from Manipur, namely MC [[Mary Kom]] (Boxing), [[Laishram Bombayla Devi|Laishram Bombayla]] (Archery), [[Ng Soniya Chanu|Ng Soniya]] (Weightlifting), [[Kothajit Khadangbam|Kh Kothajit]] (Hockey), and [[Devendro Singh|L Debendra]] (Boxing).<ref>{{Cite news|date=2012-07-24|title=Manipuri diaspora to meet NE Olympians|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/manipuri-diaspora-to-meet-ne-olympians/articleshow/15115076.cms|access-date=2025-04-17|issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=KanglaOnline|date=2012-07-28|title=European Manipuri Association wishes North East Olympians – KanglaOnline|url=https://kanglaonline.in/2012/07/european-manipuri-association-wishes-north-east-olympians/?amp|access-date=2025-04-17|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Samom|first=Sobhapati|date=2010-09-15|title=European Manipuri body to wish NE Olympians|url=https://assamtribune.com/european-manipuri-body-to-wish-ne-olympians|access-date=2025-04-17|website=assamtribune.com|language=en}}</ref>

== International services ==
The European Manipuri Association, United Kingdom, comprising members of the Manipuri diaspora, invested in the "Blooming Manipur" project, inspired by the flourishing of the United Kingdom. With permission from the [[:en:Government of Manipur|government of Manipur]], the association installed hanging flower pots in the historic [[Ima Keithel]] ({{Script|Mtei|ꯏꯃꯥ ꯀꯩꯊꯦꯜ}}), also known as the "Mother's Market", a landmark over 500 years old, located in the heart of [[Imphal]], the capital city of [[Manipur]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=EMAs Blooming Manipur Project Inauguration 20111205|url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Press_Release.Press_Release_2011.EMAs_Blooming_Manipur_Project_Inauguration_20111205|access-date=2025-04-17|website=e-pao.net}}</ref>

== Notable people ==
{{Incomplete list|date=April 2025}}

=== Medicine ===

* Bishwajit Elangbam ({{Script|Mtei|ꯕꯤꯁ꯭ꯋꯖꯤꯠ ꯑꯦꯂꯥꯡꯕꯝ}}), a Meitei originated from Manipur, is an [[Emergency medical technician|Emergency Medicine Consultant]] and Governance Lead for the Sandwell Emergency Department in [[Birmingham]], UK. He has been appointed as a [[Visiting Professor]] at [[Aston University]], UK. He is the first Manipuri Visiting Professor of Emergency Medicine in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web|last=BOBICHAND|first=RAJKUMAR|date=2022-08-27|title=Dr. Bishwajit Elangbam Becomes First Manipuri Visiting Professor of Emergency Medicine in UK » Imphal Review of Arts and Politics|url=https://imphalreviews.in/dr-bishwajit-elangbam-becomes-first-manipuri-visiting-professor-of-emergency-medicine-in-uk/|access-date=2025-04-17|website=imphalreviews.in|language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Lawyer ===

* Rina Nameirakpam Barua ({{Script|Mtei|ꯔꯤꯅꯥ ꯅꯥꯃꯩꯔꯥꯛꯄꯝ ꯕꯔꯨꯋꯥ}}), a non-resident Manipuri, selected as one of the four finalists for the Asian Women of Achievement Awards in the [[Businesswoman|Businesswoman of the Year]] - Corporate category. She is an accomplished lawyer and currently holds the position of Vice-President and Legal Head at the UK-based TV channel [[B4U (network)|B4U]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Woman on top aims higher - Non-resident Manipuri nominated for business award in UK|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/woman-on-top-aims-higher-non-resident-manipuri-nominated-for-business-award-in-uk/cid/830270}}</ref>

=== Military service ===
Lieutenant Khwairakpam Robin Singh ({{Script|Mtei|ꯈ꯭ꯋꯥꯏꯔꯥꯛꯄꯝ ꯔꯣꯕꯤꯟ ꯁꯤꯡꯍ}}), a Manipuri, who was a member of the British [[Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service]] (RMAS) Special Forces, was awarded the [[Conspicuous Gallantry Cross]] for his actions during a gunfight with [[Al Qaeda]] insurgents in [[Afghanistan]] in 2011. The award, which is the second-highest military honor, was presented to him on June 19, 2013. He was recognized alongside six other personnel. Additionally, a monetary award of £15,000 was granted in recognition of his bravery.<ref>{{Cite web|title=British gallantry award for Manipuri officer : 22nd mar13 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=30..220313.mar13|access-date=2025-04-17|website=e-pao.net}}</ref>

== Associations and organizations ==
{{Incomplete list|date=April 2025}}
* The European Manipuri Association (EMA) was founded on 23 September 2001 in [[Sheffield]], United Kingdom, by a group of volunteers.<ref>{{Cite web|last=EMA|title=EMA|url=https://ema-europe.org/history-1|access-date=2025-04-17|website=EMA|language=en-GB}}</ref> It works to unite members of the Manipuri diaspora across Europe.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=European Manipuri Association Annual Social Gathering 26th to 28th August 2011|url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Press_Release.Press_Release_2011.European_Manipuri_Association_Annual_Social_Gathering_26th_to_28th_August_2011|access-date=2025-04-17|website=e-pao.net}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal bar|Asia|Bangladesh|Britain|England|Europe|India|Ireland|Scotland|UK|Wales}}
* [[Meitei people in Australia]]
* [[Meitei people in Canada]]
* [[Meitei people in Bangladesh]]
* [[Meitei people in Myanmar]]
* [[Meitei people in Assam]]
* [[Meitei people in Meghalaya]]
* [[Meitei people in Tripura]]
* [[Anglo-Manipur War]]
* [[Imphal Barracks]]
* [[Anglo-Burmese people]]

== References ==
{{Notelist}}
{{Reflist}}

{{Meitei Diaspora}}
{{AsiansinUK}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:India–United Kingdom cultural relations]]
[[Category:Bangladesh–United Kingdom relations]]
[[Category:Meitei diaspora|United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom|Meitei]]
[[Category:Bangladeshi diaspora in the United Kingdom|Meitei]]