TODAY -

Romancing the Tribal Culture via Modern Theatre
- Part 3 -
- An experience with Khenjonglang at Sandang Shenba Maring Khun -

BC Khuman *



Shri Vedeshwar Sharma, Assistant Secretary of Manipur State Kala Akademi in his address as the Guest-of-honour, first dwelt upon the changing mindset and radical outlook of the present generation in their world view vis-à-vis enhancement of the quality of life. He observed that caste-based discrimination has become today outdated, thereby enabling our youth to march forward with progressive ideas and mutual co-operations between themselves, proving themselves worthy of the spirit of the modern age.

After all history is dynamic, not static. Sharma further stimulated the audience with his unbiased attitude and frank expression as he pointed to himself as a standing proof of the secular mindset of the new generation. Though a Brahmin by birth (considered to be of the highest caste in the hierarchy of orthodox Hindu social system), he freely mixes with and dines with anybody belonging to any caste, creed or religion, he informed.

Referring to the intrinsic potentiality of art and culture in forging one's character and attitude, particularly that of the youth, he said that it is high time the notion of 'theatre in education' was put into practice by getting it incorporated in the educational curriculum of schools and colleges.

He also earnestly appealed to the tribal artists and cultural activists to remain alert and well-informed by all possible means such as consulting with their Meitei counterparts who are their sympathisers in the field, visiting concerned offices now and then etc so that they could properly reap the benefits offered to them by the Government.

Shri Suman Kumar, faculty member of the NSD, New Delhi, in his address as the second Guest-of-honour briefly recounted the NSD's role in trying to revive and rejuvenate the endangered cultures of the minorities (the tribals etc) mainly through theatrical enterprises. He happily acknowledged that local artists of the Sandang Shenba Maring village have lots of potential in them as performing artists that have been awaiting proper grooming and guidance till this day. He sincerely thanked the villagers for their enthusiastic response in organizing this workshop which had been a wonderful experience for him.

Mr. M.I. Dominic Kansouwa, Executive Member, ADC, Sadar Hills Kangpokpi, in his speech as the third Guest-of-Honour, recounted the rich cultural heritage of the Maring. Mr. Dominique regretted for the present state of Maring traditional culture, which is suffering under the impact of modernisation, like any other tribal culture or otherwise.

This issue entails due attention from all quarters – the Government, the public, the NGOs, the scholars and the intellectuals, he observed. He told the audience that they are also thinking about opening a cultural museum of their own just as Prof. Tombi has suggested in his speech. Mr Dominic also narrated that there was initially an apprehension among the village youths (participants of the workshop) whether a profession in art and culture could provide them livelihood. But 'madam' Thanil Leima had assured them that it could, provided one is truly dedicated and firm-footed, he remembered.

Shri G. Gourakeshwar Sharma, Padmashri, the noted guru of Manipuri martial arts, in his address as the Chief Guest, enlightened and entertained the audience with his well-founded knowledge about the cultural history of Manipur. He recapitulated the forgoing deliberations and briefly supplemented the points as the Chief Guest.

Referring to the cultural relationship between the Meitei and the Maring he remarked that the 'tolok' (linen headgear) of the Maring which is very much unique among the tribes of Manipur has patterns and colours derived from 'Pakhangba' the god of the Meities, who usually takes the form of a snake. About the linguistic affinity also he gave examples by uttering a few Maring words which were not only synonymous but also homophonous.

Shri Sharma earnestly appealed to all culture lovers of the State to work dedicated for culture without any mercenary motive. He encouraged them by assuring that government is to come to their aid with adequate financial support provided they work with genuine interest.

In a jovial mood the septuagenarian grand master of martial arts said, 'We have a very soft corner for the Chingmee. Please don't pretend not seeing it.' To end his speech he recited a Maring folk-song of romantic theme giving its meaning in Meiteilon line by line to the applause of the audience. I could not but admire the high literary quality of the verse. Perhaps with this speech of the Chief Guest, the ongoing scene of the ceremonial function reached its climax.

Dr. K. Sobita Devi, the functional president also added new insights to the ongoing discourse while supplementing the various points having so far presented by the speakers on the dais. As the Director of the department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur, she also assured the villagers of the Maring Khun of financial assistance to their culture workers, provided they duly apply for it.

Regarding the social and cultural relationship of the Maring and the Meitei she even recounted an historical fact which would be of paramount interest to the students of Manipuri culture. The festival of 'Mera Houchongba', she pointed out, can start customarily only when a particular species of flower is ceremonially offered by the Maring tribe to the Meitei king.

This single fact speaks volume of the cultural interrelationship between the Maring and the Meitei. After all it was not without reason that the brave Marings who were excellent in archery were known as 'Nongpok Thongakpa' (Eastern Sentry), which exemplifies the undisputed role of the Marings in the polity of Manipur during the monarchic rule.

She also recalled the proud story of one Maring subject having been honoured by the king of Manipur in the past. In any case, honouring an individual of a distinct tribe can be viewed as a symbolic gesture of honouring the tribe itself, since it recognizes the indigenous quality of the tribe which is inherently manifest in the individual concerned. To conclude her speech she reminded that preservation and promotion of tribal culture could be made possible only when the public gives full support to the Government machinery.

A vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Koning Medar. Every single breath of his resounded the profound gratitude of the villagers to everybody concerned for enlightening them on an aspect of culture during the workshop. Of course there was also, as I could perceive, an unmistakable anxiety in them for future course of progress in case they were left alone in the field. That point is not to be taken lightly.

Concluded....




* BC Khuman wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was webcasted on December 26, 2010.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2024 : Timeline
  • The chasm between TB & HIV continues
  • Parliament and its Members
  • LS election with a difference
  • To vote, or not to vote ?
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #2 : Gallery
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Lamjao, Kakching
  • The Power of Poppy - 27 :: Poem
  • Mother Language based education essential
  • Modi's warriors wear regional hats
  • Nest Asia promoting Northeastern Cuisine
  • Now look beyond LS poll
  • The rot in the system
  • Scientists of Manipur : Laitonjam Warjeet
  • Community seed bank @Umathel : Gallery
  • 10 candidates cracked Civil Services Exam
  • Milk of Paradise: History of Opium : Rvw
  • How plastics find their way into our bodies
  • Condemning attack on Trucks along NH-37
  • Cong looking to buck the trend
  • Saving Manipur
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba: 1 occasion, 2 narratives #2
  • Election Duty :: Travellog
  • 1st Nagas' Meet in Punjab
  • How to select right MP to represent Manipur
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Tejpur
  • Bats are Keystone species for the Planet
  • The '15 days' conundrum
  • Free but not so fair
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #30: Download
  • Before You Vote : My Rumbling Thoughts
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Kakching
  • Meiraba wins All India Sr tournament
  • Finding light in dark through my daughter
  • Navigating life's unreasonable expectations
  • Test of people's character
  • BJP's election manifesto
  • Athoubasingi Numit #1 : Gallery
  • Black rice & Glycemic Index
  • What Nadda should speak at Dimapur rally
  • Open Letter to CM Office Manipur
  • Meghalaya unveils Strawberry festival
  • Benefits of maths newspapers for students
  • Id-ul-Fitr @Hatta #1 : Gallery
  • Are you a good person ?
  • Physics Academy of NE : Executive Body
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Moirang
  • Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin launched
  • Cong on cautious path
  • Botox for Hair
  • Posers voters should raise now
  • The lull before the storm
  • 80th Anniv- Battle of Kanglatongbi @UK
  • Vir Chakra Ngangom Joydutta's bust unveiled
  • Hun - Thadou Cultural Festival : Gallery
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Singjamei
  • Election Eclipses: Ballad of Battle & Loss
  • Our voices are equal at the ballot box
  • Scientists of Manipur : Ngangkham Nimai
  • Urgent Call for Solidarity in Manipur
  • Meitei Nongsha #2 :: An Artwork
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Waikhong
  • About NPF-BJP-NPP alliance & why ?
  • World Veterinary Day, 2024
  • The heavy stake behind the LS polls
  • The politics of lying & deception
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #1 : Gallery
  • Hun-Thadou Cultural Fest @ Delhi: Report
  • Appeal to Parties & Candidates
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Wangoo
  • Establishment of community seed bank
  • Awareness Programme on new Criminal Laws
  • Make a right choice at the Lok Sabha election
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba: 1 occasion, 2 narratives #1
  • RIST talk-58 : Support systems of elderly
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Hiyanglam
  • Vote, do not boycott !
  • Lok Sabha election: A new dawn in politics ?
  • IIT-Guwahati Half Marathon report
  • Taking ST demand to the election ring
  • Lesson to be learnt from across border
  • Mirabai: Poised for Paris Olympics
  • Legal position for protection of environment
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Keisamthong
  • Heterocyclic compound & biochemical science
  • Inner, torn between two lovers
  • Certification Music Therapy Workshop
  • NOTA as a choice
  • Caesar's wife must be above suspicion
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #29: Download
  • World Health Day 2024
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Pangantabi
  • The Power of Poppy - 26 :: Poem
  • Fulbright Fellowship Outreach at Arunachal
  • Id-ul Fitr da namaz nattana..
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #13 :: Book
  • Lok Sabha election is coming, be prepared
  • 6th Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival
  • Let There Be Free & Fair Election
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Lamlong
  • Science magazines are important for student
  • Interesting choice of candidates
  • The power of We, the voters
  • Inspirations from Scientists of Manipur #1
  • The Case for Amendment of Article 371-C
  • Meitei Nongsha #1 :: Artwork
  • Link between forest & conflict in Manipur
  • Final Call for Application MFA - Phase-2
  • ST for Meiteis call before elections
  • Passing the buck
  • Beating of the Retreat #1 : Gallery
  • Life of our Lives in Ethnic Strife Era! :: Poem
  • IIT-Guwahati annual Half Marathon
  • Follow up: European Parliament on Manipur
  • Yoga & Kegel exercise: Pelvic floor workout
  • Opting for the NOTA button
  • Yearning of the displaced people
  • Kenedy Khuman (Singer) : Gallery
  • 5th NE Women's Peace Congregation
  • World Autism Awareness Day 2024
  • Election fever grips Manipur despite unrest
  • Looking for a decent election hustings
  • Clock ticking towards voting day
  • An exemplary directive
  • Children Camp @JNMDA Imphal #1 : Gallery
  • Memo to Election Commission of India
  • Easter & Holi echo in Nilgiris
  • Holiday Camp for children at JNMDA, Imphal
  • Zero waste is our moral responsibility
  • Elections & loyalty vis-a-vis Manipur crisis
  • Show of strength without unity
  • Yaoshang Pichakari #2 : Gallery
  • Panthoi Chanu : 1st to play in Australia
  • Intensive labs in film preservation
  • Building bridges with books
  • Need of the hour: Political maturity
  • Accepting defeat before the election
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #28: Download
  • April Calendar for Year 2024 : Tools
  • Natural packaging from bamboo : Gallery
  • The Power of Poppy - 25 :: Poem
  • Everyone has their own Bharat Ratna
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #12 :: Book
  • Demand- Manipuri as classical language
  • The Drummer from Odisha
  • Beauty benefits of lemon
  • Yaoshang Mei Thaba #2 : Gallery
  • Manipur's original Ponies : Gallery
  • Yaoshang & Dance of Democracy loom
  • Symposium on Jagadguru Shankaracharya
  • Choosing ITI as a campus after X
  • Yaoshang Pichakari #1 : Gallery
  • Yaoshang @Nabadwip Dham : Gallery
  • How oral health affects your pregnancy
  • Two faces of Holi
  • Prawaas 4.0, Multimodal Transport Show
  • A decade of development of higher education
  • Yaoshang Mei Thaba #1 : Gallery
  • Our Eternal Kangleipak :: Poem
  • Micro-livestock for livelihoods: For NE States
  • The fun of Holi used to be monotonous
  • 2nd Annual Art Exhibition #1 : Gallery
  • About the "Meitei" community from Manipur
  • Unveiling the medicinal benefits of honey
  • The incalculable value of wildlife
  • Promises of true love
  • Trends, Alliances, & Challenges in Elections
  • Meitei Goddess Ngaleima : An Artwork
  • Water is the most precious gift of God
  • Bharat needs a strong 'India'
  • Transformation of railway stations
  • Not quite the final countdown
  • Missing of 'The Saffron' from electoral colour
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #27: Download
  • 3rd North East Games: Manipur champion
  • The Power of Poppy - 24 :: Poem
  • EBTC & JCRE signed MoU
  • Early Detection Program at Toubul
  • How Holi affects our mood & mental health
  • Lamta Thangja @ Imphal : Gallery
  • Manipur cinema legacy shines at ARCUREA
  • The pulse of politics amidst conflict
  • Forest is most important vital organ of Earth
  • Tips to play safe Holi
  • Politics of naming candidates
  • Disappearing of spring from season cycle
  • Meira Paibis of Manipur
  • Demand for ST status by Meiteis
  • Project Personal Opening @Assam University
  • World Poetry Day at Manipur University
  • Green skills for sustainable world
  • Supportive interventions during exam time
  • Interesting run up to LS polls
  • Onus definitely on PM to restore peace
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #11 :: Book
  • Water, water everywhere ...
  • 21st March - A special day for Forest
  • RI imprisonment to Rapists at Silchar
  • Arrests threaten fragile ceasefire
  • The Valor Within :: Poem
  • Monitoring the rehab centres
  • True colour of politicians
  • North East Film Festival #2 : Gallery
  • Linthoingambi- 'Jury Honourable Mention'
  • Meitei Goddess Phouoibi : An Artwork #3
  • Formation of Wesean Student Federation
  • 20th March- International Day of Happiness
  • A call to first time voter youths
  • Playing the card close to its chest
  • Targeting FOCS and ITLF
  • Students @ Class X Exam : Gallery
  • Alarming Pictures of Nongpok Sekmai River
  • Health camp at Khangabok Relief Camp
  • Absence of refugee laws fuels ethnic tension
  • Electoral bonds and Mr Bond
  • ATSUM spilling the beans now
  • Main stumbling block to peaceful election
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #26: Download
  • Engudam Kavita: Gold @Bodybuilding Ch'ship
  • Sangai :: An Artwork
  • Deepika M urges to observe 2 Mins Silence
  • Attention Manifesto letters- boxes of promises
  • Gearing up for Lok Sabha polls
  • Debate over long poll process
  • Saroi Khangba @ Kangla : Gallery
  • Stress in adolescents due to ethnic clash
  • Will Manipur ever be the same again
  • Innovation : A review
  • Love and Harmony :: Poem
  • Special scholarship scheme for girls
  • Imphal Book Fair 2023 #3 : Gallery
  • Relief material at Serou & Wangoo
  • The power of the human-animal bond
  • Agribusiness & food processing in North East
  • India Defense Policy: Challenge & Imperative
  • Sit across the table and talk
  • Controversial arrest & chaotic confusion
  • Protest for scrapping SoO #2 :Gallery
  • Kangpokpi, a safe haven for immigrants
  • Maharaj Narasingh Statue @Kangla :Gallery
  • North East Film Festival #1 : Gallery
  • Shopping List for Shivaratri : Gallery
  • N Tombi Equestrian C'ships #1 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #1: Gallery
  • Transgender Malem protest [Mar 6] : Gallery
  • Radio E-pao: Manipuri Film OST (130+ song)
  • Monica Konjengbam- Mega Miss North East
  • Save Manipur : Protest [Feb 15] #3 : Gallery
  • Martin Irengbam - Mister North East 2024
  • Naorem Roshibina- Wushu Medallist : Gallery
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet
  • Arambai Tengol & SFs #4 : Gallery
  • Abnormal population growth of Kuki from 1881
  • Resilience in adversity | Kumbi : Gallery
  • Protests attack @ Moreh [18 Jan] #2: Gallery
  • Oinam Chaoba Devi: Sepak Takraw : Gallery
  • List of Kings of Manipur: 33 - 1984 AD