Padma Shri Naba Wareppa appeals to safeguard legacy of indigenous traditions
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 26 2022:
Padma Shri awardee Naba Wareppa has categorically stated that the culture of Manipur will be eternal when indigenous traditions and art forms like Lai Haraoba and Nata Sankirtan are well preserved.
He made the above statement while speaking on the 23rd foundation day celebration of All Manipur Arts and culture students' Union (AMACSU) held at Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) today.
He went on to state that tradition is preserving the virtue and essence of the age-old heritage left by our forefathers and not doing whatever one wishes.
Manipur has got a unique aesthetic culture of its own maintained by the beautiful habits and traditions and all should strive to maintain the legacy, he added.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating condition of Nat Sankirtan which has been recognised as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, Naba Wareppa said that it is due to improvisations made for entertainment purposes.
He further maintained that Sankirtan performed at weddings these days has drifted towards the entertainment side which is one of the major factors responsible for the damage in the customs of this indigenous art form.
He also appealed to all to maintain the essence of such important art forms rather than customising it for one's convenience.
The programme was also attended by Progressive Artist Laboratory (PAL) Director, N Tiken Singh and former Guru (Rass) JNMDA, K Kumar Singh as the presidium members.
During the cultural programme session, Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association Irilbung displayed Thang-Ta tactics while students of JNMDA presented Kabui dance.