Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 03 2010:
Shumang Leela Festival 2010, which will continue till February 23, opened at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen today.
Education Minister L Jayantakumar and State Planning Board Deputy Chairman Bijoy Koijam graced the opening function as chief guest and president respectively.
MLA K Meghachandra and Shumang Leela Council Advisor Tarpan were also members of the dais as guests of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, L Jayantakumar said that although shumang leela has its own indigenous and philosophical backgrounds, it is still hard to give a proper definition of the art form.
Maintaining that shumang leela too has been changing with the change of time, the Minister opined that efforts must be however made not to alter its basic characteristic.
Other States may even claim the art form as theirs if free hand is given to this 'change', the Minister cautioned.
Giving his presidential address, Bijoy Koijam called on the gathering to nurture the age-old art form.
He maintained that shumang leela helps is many aspects in building up unity and integrity in the State.
Maintaining that shumang leela is a medium to understand the issues relevant to the society, MLA K Meghachandra said that it can reach the interior areas where even TV and radio cannot reach.
Sixteen female groups and 11 male groups are taking part in the festival organised by Celebration Committee Shumang Leela Festival 2010 .
Two female groups, Youth Cultural, Singjamei and New Dramatic Union will stage their plays on the first day of the
festival tomorrow.