Foundation Day celebrated
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 16 2014:
The Anji Cultural Academy celebrated its 16th Foundation Day at Lamyanba Shanglen today.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and Thanga AC MLA Tongbram Mangibabu graced the function as chief guest and president respectively.
Former Art and Culture Minister Dr M Nara and former MLA and All Manipur Olympic Association President Bijoy Koijam also attended the function as guests of honour.
Addressing the function, Gaikhangam said that a strong wave of adopting the culture of developed and bigger communities is currently prevailing among the people of the State.
Maintaining that there is no harm in embracing and delving into the positive points of the culture of advanced communities, Gaikhangam said that the people of Manipur must not however undermine and forget their own indigenous culture in the process of adopting the lifestyles and culture of other communities.
No civilized society would rate those people, who do not understand their own culture and tradition, as a developed community, he observed.
He also lauded those individuals and organisations who are active in preserving the rich cultural heritage of Manipur at this critical juncture when many people are getting inclined towards the culture of other communities.
Tongbram Mangibabu while speaking at the occasion mentioned about the role of the people of Manipur towards preserving the culture and tradition of Manipur.
He also lauded Anji Cultural Academy for their efforts in this regard.
Anji Cultural Academy secretary Thokchom Thouyamba said that the academy, which was established in 1999, has been putting in constant effort to preserve the culture of Manipur.
Saying that the academy organises training on various cultural elements every year, Thouyamba said that a training programme on pung, eshei and potloi designing was organised this year too.
Cash prize of Rs 1000, a shawl and a citation each were presented to 18 selected persons, who have worked towards cultural preservation at the function.