Association of Meiteis in the Americas

The **Association of Meiteis in the Americas** _(, 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.

## Research endowment

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.

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.

### Research areas

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

### Application and evaluation

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.

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

### Peace demonstration in Washington, D.C. (2023)

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.

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.

### Attendance and support

Participants travelled long distances, including overnight flights from California, Texas, 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.”

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.

### Messages and slogans

- Placards displayed messages such as:

- “Ho Ima Manipur Nung Gumbi leite Ima” (“Mother Manipur, there is none like you”)

- “Proud Meitei, Proud Indian”

- “Peace is possible”

- “Strongly condemn the violence”

Flyers outlining the crisis in Manipur and appeals for peace were distributed to the public.

### Public campaign

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.

### Appeal for disarmament

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.

The statement read:

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.

## Related pages

- European Manipuri Association