National workshop on record conservation begins
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 10 2011:
A 15-day workshop on Curative Conservation on Illustrated and Paper Manuscripts commenced today at the office complex of the Manipur State Arhives, Imphal.
The Manipur State Archives Manuscripts Conservation Centre in association with National Mission for Manuscripts Conservation, GOI organized the workshop.
Participants will be trained with modern scientific techniques to conserve Puyas, paintings and other ancient and important documents.
Former principal, LMS Law College RK Jhalajit, Member, Manuscript Conservation Partnership Centre Angomcha Wangkhem Ibouchou and former director, Manipur University CDC Dr Y Mohendro were the chief guest, guest of honour and president of the function respectively.
Speaking in the occasion, Padmashree RK Jhalajit stressed on the need of conserving the Puyas of Manipur to prevent from decay and deterioration.
Although Manipur represent only about 0.15 percent of the total population of the country, the ancient Puyas and paintings of Manipur are very important.
Not only have sports and culture brought fame to the state, but the ancient manuscripts also identify Manipur to the world.
RK Jhalajit said that the Yasmin chronicles of Myanmar, Anglo-Saxon chronicles and Puranic chronicles of Assam seem to contain many legendary incidents of the past.
However the chronicles of Manipur like Chietharol Kumbaba and Ningthourol Lambuba records exact dates of important events of Manipur's history.
He said Manipuris who learnt to produce paper at an early stage in history has its own civilization from stretching from ancient times.
In his speech, Ibochou expressed gratitude to the Manipur State Archives for conserving many ancient manuscripts in their custody.
He noted that Manipuris produced paper from Chera plant from Koubru hill millennia back.