Dr Ratan Thiyam expresses concern over absence of cultural patronage in Manipur
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 08 2022:
Dr Ratan Thiyam, chairman, Chorus Repertory Theatre has categorically asserted that there is no patronage of culture in Manipur.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the 38th foundation day of Manipur Literary Society held at the auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy today.
The noted playwright went on to state that an example of this lack of cultural patronage is reflected in people merely singing praises of Manipuri culture and claiming its lofty status while shying away from purchasing a single painting to hang up in their huge offices.
Dr Ratan Thiyam maintained that people involved in the field of art and culture have short lifespans.
They are focused in their own field of work and as a result, people lack updates on what is currently happening in the field of culture, he claimed.
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He blamed this current predicament on a weak level of study and thinking prevalent among those involved in these fields.
Speaking in particular about the literature field, he highlighted the need for a yardstick to measure the level of literary works of Manipuri writers, to translate famous literary works into indigenous languages etc.
The chairman also rued the State Government's lack of action in this aspect while pointing out the absence of any prestigious literary award conferred by the Government.
People will get a real taste of literature when a large-scale literary festival is organised, filled with various activities such as discussions on noted writers, poetry slams, dance and song performances etc, he opined.
As such, he urged those engaged in the field of literature to not give up, to not be content with the present state of affairs and work together for collective advancement and progress.
Speaking as the guest of honour, Hidangmayum Nandakumar Sharma, former Vice Chancellor, Manipur University asserted that in the absence of literature, society will be in shambles and reduced to a robotic state.
Nongmaithem Kiran Kumar Singh, president, Manipur Literary Society also graced the event as the functional president.
It may be noted that literary awards were handed over to nine individuals as a part of the day's function.
The award consisted of a cash prize, memento and shawl.
Aside from this, new award donors were warmly welcomed and honoured.
The gathering also observed a minute of silence to pay their respects to the deceased members of Manipur Literary Society.