Laughing away the blues : HL celebrates World Laughter Day
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, May 03 2014 : With the main objective of highlighting the importance of laughter to one's health and well being, Hueiyen Lanpao Columnists' Forum (HLCF) in association with Hueiyen Lanpao Group of Publications observed World Laughter Day 2014 at the Literary Hall of the newspaper's office located at Sega Road, Thouda Bhabok Leikai here today.

Started by Dr Madan Kataria, the founder of worldwide Laughter Yoga movement, on January 11, 1998, in Mumbai, World Laughter Day is celebrated worldwide today as a positive manifestation for world peace and to build up a global consciousness of brotherhood and friendship through laughter.

Over the years, the popularity of the observance has grown exponentially with that of the Laughter Yoga movement now counting thousands of Laughter Clubs in more than 72 countries.

World Laughter Day is actually celebrated across the globe on the first Sunday of May each year since 1998 .

But Hueiyen Lanpao Columnists' Forum celebrated World Laughter Day, one day ahead under its own selected theme "Ngaihak Nokminnasi" along with inviting the 'Nokphade Party' for a special performance.

HL celebrates World Laughter Day

Giving the welcome address, noted artiste and Hueiyen Lanpao columnist Narendra Ningomba observed that the present Manipuri society has virtually forgotten about the good habit of laughter owing to various social issues, law and order problem and other personal reasons.

He said that it was praiseworthy that Hueiyen Lanpao has come up with the idea of celebrating World Laughter Day.

Perhaps, this might be the first time ever by any media organisation in Manipur to recognise the significance of celebrating World Laughter Day.

He went on to point out that laughter gives health benefits to both mind and body.

It gives relief and eases mental disturbances and at the same time helps one to forget worries and woes of day to day stressful existence.

A good laughter and humour could also act as an antidote to conflict among friends and family.

That is why laughter is said to be the best medicine.

Narendra said that Manipuri folk tales used to give ample space for comedy and laughter in due consideration of the fact that it could bring love and harmony among people and at one time comedians were regarded highly.

But these days, the space for comedy as well as the comedians in movies, dramas and Shumang Lilas is becoming almost negligible.

Most of the plays and films which are being produced these days are instead based on the stories of mutual mistrust, criticism and acts of harming one another, he added.

Popular Shumang Lila artiste and comedian S Hemanta also shared his knowledge and experiences on the importance of laughter on the occasion.

He was of the opinion that fast pace of development and lack of peace in the society has resulted in the increase of number of mental patients in Manipur today.

The best way to cope with such situations in the present Manipur is to trigger laughter and forget sadness, he said, and hastened to add in his inimitable comic style that just as there is a time to laugh heartily, one should also know when not to laugh.

The main highlight of the observance was the series of comic acts including slapstick comedy and mimicry of popular artistes and singers performed by the artistes of Nokphade Party which evoked unrestraint laughter among the audience comprising columnists of all the three editions of Hueiyen Lanpao, invitees ad well-wishers.