Association of Meiteis in the Americas

The Association of Meiteis in the Americas (ꯑꯦꯁꯣꯁꯤꯌꯦꯁꯟ ꯑꯣꯐ ꯃꯩꯇꯩꯁ ꯏꯟ ꯗꯥ ꯑꯃꯦꯔꯤꯀꯥꯁ, abbreviated AMA) is a community organization representing members of the Meitei diaspora living in North and South America. The association promotes cultural preservation, academic research, and peace initiatives related to the Indian state of Manipur.^[1][2]

In 2025, the AMA Research Endowment announced a call for research proposals for the 2025–26 cycle. The program offers small grants ranging from ₹45,000 to ₹1 lakh for projects lasting between six and twelve months.^[3][4]

The endowment supports research that advances knowledge, preservation, and public understanding of Manipur. Eligible applicants include graduate students, academics, independent researchers, and NGO teams, with preference given to early-career scholars based in Manipur.^[3][4]

Research topics supported by the endowment include:

• History and scriptures

• Digitization and preservation

• Conflict and society

• Economics and communities

• Arts and culture

• Identity and federalism

• Regional geopolitics^[3][4]

Proposals are evaluated on the basis of scholarly merit, cultural impact, feasibility, and dissemination plans. Shortlisted applicants may consult an expert board comprising scholars from Manipur University, DM University, and other institutions.^[3][4]

Applications must be submitted as a four-page PDF containing an abstract, project narrative, budget, curriculum vitae, and ethical or outreach considerations.^[3][4]

In July 2023, the AMA donated essential commodities worth ₹1,650,000 (US$20,000) to 36 relief camps across various districts in Manipur, with contributions from over 300 donors.^[5][6][7]

In 2023, the Association of Meiteis in the Americas (AMA) gave humanitarian aid to nine relief camps in the Moirang and Thanga Assembly areas. The essential items were delivered through the Meitei Youth Organisation Churachandpur and the Meitei Society. The relief materials reached camps at Moirang College, Thangjing Guest House, Thangjing Sindam Shanglen, Khoyol Keithel, Kongjengbam Community Hall, Okshongbung Birachandra Upper Primary School, LCM High School, Tera Khongshangbi Leimaram, and the Regional Water Sports Complex.^[8]

The Association of Meiteis in America (AMA) and Lions Clubs International jointly provided monetary aid of ₹50,000 to the relief camp at Mangolnganbi College, Ningthoukhong, to support the people taking shelter there.^[9]

On 22 June 2023, the Association of Meiteis in the Americas organized a peace demonstration at the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., to protest against the ongoing violence in Manipur, India. The event coincided with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first official state visit to the United States.^[10][11][12]

More than 70 Meiteis, including 10 children, participated in the event. They travelled from various parts of the United States, including Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Despite continuous rain throughout the day, the participants held the demonstration clad in ponchos and umbrellas.^[10][11][12]

Participants travelled long distances, including overnight flights from California, Texas,^[1] and Florida, and long drives from several other states. Supporters from nearby areas such as Maryland, Virginia, New York, and New Jersey also attended. Six members of the Bangladeshi Meitei community based in New York participated as well, one of whom stated, "Although we came from Bangladesh, our hearts belong to Manipur."^[10][11][12]

The demonstration also received support from Indians participating in the cultural celebration for Prime Minister Modi's visit to the White House. Curious onlookers, including Americans, Europeans, and Koreans, engaged with the demonstrators to learn about the situation in Manipur.^[10][11][12]

Placards displayed messages such as

• "Ho Ima Manipur Nung Gumbi leite Ima" ("Mother Manipur, there is none like you")^[13]

• "Proud Meitei, Proud Indian"

• "Peace is possible"

• "Strongly condemn the violence"^[10][11][12]

Flyers outlining the crisis in Manipur and appeals for peace were distributed to the public.^[10][11][12]

In addition to the physical gathering, supporters who could not attend the event participated online by changing their social media profile images to a "Peace is Possible" emblem. The AMA described this coordinated gesture as a significant act of solidarity.^[10][11][12]

Following the demonstration, the Association of Meiteis in the Americas issued a statement urging the Indian government to implement a policy of complete disarmament in Manipur. The organization stated that the presence of illegal weapons had intensified violence and disrupted communal harmony.^[10][14]

The statement read:

"Disarming all armed groups, regardless of affiliation, is essential for rebuilding trust, restoring law and order, and making Manipur peaceful again."

The AMA added that a comprehensive disarmament strategy would enable the people of Manipur to live without fear and contribute to lasting peace and prosperity.^[10][14]

• European Manipuri Association