Promotion of Arambai as sports item mooted
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 12, 2012:
Commissioner of Arts and Culture Dr RK Nimai today called for conserving the art form of Arambai through promotion as a sporting item.
He was speaking as Chief Guest of the inaugural function of a two-day seminar on Arambai organised by All Manipur Arambai Association (AMRA) at Hotel Imphal here.
Dr RK Nimai recalled how the Meeteis in olden times defeated the large number of Awa armies with the help of Arambai.
Unfortunately, no one understands the importance of Arambai in the present Manipuri society, he lamented.
Dr Nimai explained that in olden days, Arambai was one of the most feared weapons of the Meeteis by the Awas.
It was more feared when the Arambai was thrown backward by clinging on the lower side of the horse, instead of throwing it in the front which is somewhat predictable.
But now it is very hard to find such man who can throw the Arambai backward.
If the art is promoted as a sports item, then it will help in conservation of the art form to a large extent.
Talking about the materials of Sagol Kangjei which were presented to the International Museum of the Horse in Kentucky Lexington, Dr Nimai said that in the said museum, Calcutta (Kolkata at present) was mentioned as the place where Sagol Kangjei (Polo) was played.
However, after the presentation of the materials needed in a traditional Sagol Kangjei match, the description has changed and a statue of a Meetei man in traditional attire playing Sagol Kangjei can be seen from October this year at the very entrance of the Museum along with all required materials which were presented to the Museum.
President of AMRA Angom Ibocha presided over the function.
The first day of the seminar was moderated by Dr Lokendra Arambam.
Dr L Kungselnaha, Judo Coach of YAS and Retired IPS M Santikumar and Assistant Professor of Manipur University L Thambal presented papers as resource persons.
On the concluding day tomorrow, Naoroibam Indramani, Dr N Birachandra, Dr M Lokendra and L Subhash would present papers as resource persons.