Manipuri Association of Canada

The Manipuri Association of Canada is an organization that supports the Manipuri community in Canada. It provides assistance in education, immigration, cultural programs, and community events.

History and purpose

MAC was founded to assist people from Manipur, India, living in Canada. The association helps community members pursue higher education, immigration processes, and cultural activities, while also providing support during times of need.

Advisories and community guidance

; Immigration and Study Guidance
On February 13, 2025, MAC urged individuals interested in studying or immigrating to Canada to contact the association before consulting other agencies or spending large sums of money. The association stated that it provides necessary assistance free of charge.
According to MAC, some students reported that certain immigration consultancy services charged excessive fees for guidance. While recognizing consultancy firms for their support, MAC discouraged irrelevant or high fees. The association clarified that fees required by the Canadian Immigration Authority or for legitimate consultancy services are acceptable, but exorbitant charges for guidance are inappropriate. MAC emphasized that such practices add financial strain on students and newcomers, and urged parents and immigrants to take the matter seriously.

Conventions

; 6th Biennial Convention
MAC held its 6th Biennial Convention online on August 27, 2022. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam attended the event.
MAC President Dr. Prithiviraj Kangjam stated that the association has been dedicated to assisting "Kangleichas" with education, immigration, and community support. The Chief Minister and Works Minister encouraged the Meitei diaspora to contribute to the development of Manipur.
A cultural program featured artists from Manipur, including Pusparani, Chitra, Pinky, Arbin, Kennedy, and the Nokphade team. Children from across Canada also participated in a talent show.
The convention elected the new executive team for 2022–2024:

President: Dr. Prithiviraj Kangjam
Vice President: Russiachand Heikham
Secretary: Tolen Moirangthem
Assistant Secretary cum Treasurer: Dayananda Paonam
Executive Members: Milanda Roy, Daisy

An advisory committee was also formed, consisting of Dr. Joy Laishram, Joy Chabungbam, Sujata Chabungbam, Promud Hamom, Ananta Singha, Sarda Heigrujam, Ranibala Kshetrimayum, and Shanta Konthoujam, to guide the executive team.
; 2nd Biennial Convention
The Second Biennial Convention was held from June 29–30, 2013, in Ontario. The event included three parts: a reception party at Dr. Raj's residence, the main convention at the Parkway Sheraton Convention Centre, Richmond Hill, and a closing party at Dr. Joy Laishram's residence.
During the business session, MAC elected:

Chairman, Board of Directors: Dr. Joy Laishram
President, Executive Committee: Dr. Amuchou Soraisham
Secretary: Promud Hamom
Treasurer: Satya Nongthombam

The convention approved several initiatives, including a mandatory Student Volunteering Program for Grades 11–12 in Manipur, a treasury of Manipuri ethnic exhibits and costumes, and the MAC Academic Awards for Canadian Manipuri students.
The cultural program included:

Shayon, a fusion Manipuri women's fashion show by designer Bidyutparna Lourembam
Meitei martial arts performance by Kiran Aheibam
Songs by guest artist Vandana Biswas
Leima Jagoi performed by seven Manipuri women from Toronto

The valedictory function involved the exchange of MAC souvenirs. The closing party included swimming, soccer, BBQ, and Thabal Chongba, a traditional Manipuri dance. The next convention was announced to be in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in 2015.

Establishment of the Dr. Ibeyaima Innovative Award

On February 16, 2013, the Manipuri Association of Canada established the Dr. Ibeyaima Innovative Award to honor Manipuri individuals excelling in agriculture, science and technology, entrepreneurship, and craftsmanship. The award, featuring a cash prize of Rs 20,000, is presented annually at the Manipur Science and Technology Council Science Meet, with the prize scheduled to increase by Rs 2,000 every two years. A memorandum of understanding between MAC and MASTEC formalized the award, and the signing ceremony included presentations on MAC's activities and the Boston-based Manipur International Centre.

Humanitarian financial aid

In January 2024, the Manipuri Association of Canada initiated a fundraising campaign in Canada, raising to assist victims of ethnic violence in Manipur, India.

Cultural activities

; India Day Celebration
MAC participated in the India Day Celebration in Toronto on August 10, 2013, organized by Panorama India, a pan-Canada cultural organization. A group of Manipuri women from the Greater Toronto Area represented MAC in the parade, wearing traditional Phanek and Innaphi.
During the cultural program at Dundas Square, six Manipuri women performed Leima Jagoi, introducing Manipur to the multicultural crowd. Their performance was praised for its professionalism and invited again for the 2014 Republic Day Celebration in Toronto.
MAC also hosted Laishram Nandakumar Singh, MLA of Manipur, on August 4, 2013, at a reception in Whitby, Ontario. He encouraged Manipuris abroad to support each other and assist development in Manipur. Members presented him with gifts, MAC souvenirs, and a memento, and briefed him about MAC's projects and achievements.

Festivals

; Ningol Chakkouba
MAC celebrated Ningol Chakkouba on September 26, 2021, at Island Lake Conservation Area, Ontario. The festival promotes love and respect between brothers and sisters and strengthens family and community ties. Families from various communities across Canada participated in the celebration.