E-Pao.net :: 25th Anniversary and Best Wishes for year 2025
*
A collective of young visionaries came together in 1999 with the goal of creating an e-portal for Manipur, at a time when the internet and the World Wide Web were not yet widely adopted. As we near December 31, 2024, we commemorate 25 years of our journey.
Over these years, we have witnessed the triumphs and challenges faced by the people of Manipur, both locally and globally, all while remaining steadfast in our dedication to the mission of e-pao.net.
E-Pao.Net is designed to offer a clear and accessible platform for Manipuris to connect, support each other, and promote development, untainted by propaganda or political agendas.
The team has consistently grown over the years by incorporating young and dynamic individuals who have been instrumental in maintaining our 25 years of dedicated service to the people of Manipur. It may also be worth noting that the original co-founders of this initiative have turned grey (literally) over these years, paralleling the evolution of web technology and the rise of social media as a dominant force.
At e-pao, we strongly believe that both mainstream media and social media play crucial roles in shaping public opinion and influencing the thoughts and actions of individuals. In addition to the regular service of disseminating news, articles, and photos daily since 31st December 1999, e-pao has achieved several significant milestones over the years, which are outlined chronologically below:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2000 | Launch of Chat Platform – A service still remembered by many today |
| 2000 | Introduction of Message Board |
| 2002 | Launch of Efrenz - a social media platform that predated Facebook and Orkut, which emerged in 2004 |
| 2002 | Publication of Articles in Meitei Mayek |
| 2002 | Online coverage of the Manipur Assembly Election |
| 2003 | Initiation of various beauty pageants featuring online voting for Miss Manipur 2003 |
| 2003 | Job postings introduced |
| 2003 | Creation of Yellow Pages for Local Businesses |
| 2004 | Development of Meitei Mayek True Type Font |
| 2005 | Launch of Yellout - a platform dedicated to rock bands and individual music artists |
| 2006 | Introduction of e-pao Radio – Online streaming of Manipuri music utilizing Flash Technology |
| 2007 | Launch of Ooba – A distinctive Arts & Culture video channel, emerging before YouTube (2005) became mainstream |
| 2008 | Introduction of Eming – A resource for Manipuri Baby Names |
| 2008 | Release of Metei Mayek Tamba (Flash version) |
| 2008 | Launched Meitei Mayek script News in collaboration with Huieyen Lanpao |
| 2008 | Establishment of eRang - a subsite for the Manipuri film industry |
| 2009 | Integration of social media feeds (Twitter and Facebook) |
| 2009 | Launch of Chakhum – A subsite featuring traditional Manipuri recipes |
| 2010 | Launch of Manipur Phone Directory of Government / Media / Public Utilities / Travel |
Certain subsites or applications have been phased out in response to the advancement of technology platforms and their relevance in today's context. However, we have introduced updated applications such as Radio E-Pao, Ooba, EMing, and Metei Mayek Tamba, which incorporate trending technologies.
Today, as Team E-Pao commemorates the significant contributions of our users and visitors over the last 25 years, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved.
Looking toward the future, we at e-pao.net wish for a joyful, harmonious, and exploitation-free world for all inhabitants of this beautiful planet.
We also aspire that the humble efforts of Team E-Pao will support the people of Manipur and the broader Northeast India in improving their lives and communities as we progress.