Guwahati: In a recent debacle, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has come under fire for a significant blunder in one of its textbooks. The indigenous game of Manipur, Mukna Kangjei, was mistakenly identified as a popular sport from Mizoram, stirring discontent among educational circles and local communities.
The error surfaced in a textbook published by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) under the umbrella of NCERT for the academic year 2023-2024. This gaffe has prompted urgent calls for rectification from concerned educational entities.
Expressing dismay over the oversight, the Education (S) Department Physical Education Teachers’ Association issued a press release stressing the criticality of accuracy in educational materials, particularly concerning cultural heritage and indigenous traditions.
Titled “Learning through Traditional Games,” the textbook features descriptions of various indigenous games from across India. However, on page 24, under the section labeled “Mizoram-Mukna Kangjei,” the misattribution of Mukna Kangjei to Mizoram was glaringly evident.
The misstep has garnered vehement objections from the people of Manipur, who consider Mukna Kangjei an integral part of their cultural legacy.
Taking proactive measures, the association has penned letters to both the State Council of Educational Research and Training in New Delhi and NCERT New Delhi, urging swift acknowledgment of the error and immediate corrective action.
Background of Mukna Kangjei
Mukna Kangjei, also known as Khong Kangjei or foot hockey, is a revered sport primarily played in Manipur, India. Resembling field hockey, it demands attributes such as stamina, speed, and agility from its players. Alongside sagol kangjei and Kang, Mukna Kangjei embodies significant cultural values of Manipur.
Its origins trace back to the prehistoric Hayichak era, preceding the time of Christ. Legend has it that a young royal household boy, affectionately named ‘Kangba,’ played with a curved club and a spherical object, contributing to the game’s popularity. King Kangba’s patronage of the game led to its widespread recognition, including the initiation of Kangjei games such as Kangjei and Sagol Kangjei.
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The name “Khong Kangjei” derives from Meitei terms, where “khong” represents foot or wrestling, “kang” signifies a ball or round object, and “jei” is derived from “chei,” meaning to hit. This rich history and cultural significance make Mukna Kangjei a cherished aspect of Manipuri heritage, deserving of accurate representation and recognition in educational materials.
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