DoNER Minister opens Sangai Festival amid cultural extravaganza
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, November 21 2022:
Amid colourful cultural extravaganza, Union Minister of Tourism, Culture and DoNER G Kishan Reddy declared the Manipuri Sangai Festival 2022 open at the Sangai Ethnic Park, Moirang Khunou, the main venue of the festival.
The festival which commenced today will continue till November 30 at different venues across the State.
Speaking on the occasion, G Kishan Reddy expressed his gratitude that he got the opportunity to be a part of the festival.
He continued that he was lucky to have met groups of 33 different communities in one place, who have come to represent their communities at the festival.
Stating that he could see the celebration of the festival with pomp and gaiety, he invited people from across the country to visit the State and witness the beauty of the festival.
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He also appreciated the Chief Minister, his Cabinet colleagues, MLAs and other officials for organizing the festival in such a grand manner.
He further stated that he would convey to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the organization of the festival with construction of permanent structures at the Sangai Ethnic Park.
The Union Minister also spoke on the natural beauty of Manipur and its uniqueness.
He continued that the Central Government had always been taking up initiatives for the development of Northeast States.
He informed that India would host the next G20 Summit and as such many big events would be held across the country.
Some events will also be held in the State, he added.
Speaking as the chief host of the inaugural function, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said a clear vision is required to achieve something.
He said that the festival is celebrated as the Festival of Oneness to achieve unity through participation of all indigenous communities of the State and to encourage oneness, sense of belongingness and pride of ownership of the land amongst the people.
The Chief Minister appreciated all those involved in the preparation for the festival, specially the main venue, Sangai Ethnic Park at Moirang Khunou.
Among others, the Chief Minister lauded MLAs of Thanga and Moirang and the public for their support and cooperation and said the people didn't seek even a single rupee as compensation for their land during the development works undertaken at the venue.
The Chief Minister also read out a greeting from the Governor for the successful conduct of the festival.
Rajya Sabha Member Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba raised concern over the small population of the Sangai, classification of the Manipur Pony as an endangered species and shallowing of the Loktak Lake, and drew attention of the Union Tourism, Culture and DoNER Minister G Kishan Reddy towards the issues.
"Our State Government is trying all its best.
But we need more attention and help from the Union Government to save Sangai, Manipur Pony, and Loktak, the largest fresh water lake in the entire North East" he said.
Highlighting the tourism potential of the State, the MP said "Our State is endowed with so many beautiful natural tourist hotspots.
If developed properly, Manipur could be a perfect tourist destination for domestic and foreign tourists".
"To increase the per-capita income of the State, we have to give serious consideration on tourism", the MP said.
He then sought support from the DoNER Ministry in developing tourist spots and destinations in the State.
During the function, a coffee table book 'Manipur Sangai Festival 2022' of the Tourism Department and a special edition of Manipur Today on Sangai Festival published by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations were released.
As part of the inaugural function, Mangka Laihui performed the Manipur Sangai Festival 2022 theme song followed by colourful and mesmerising performances by many other cultural troupes.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh accompanied by Union DoNER Minister G Kishan Reddy visited and interacted with representatives of different communities in front of their respective traditional huts at the Sangai Ethnic Park.
Ministers, MLAs and Chief Secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar attended the inaugural function, among others.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister N Biren Singh inaugurated the Sangai Ethnic Park.