Sankirtan earns its place in UNESCO's cultural heritage list
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 26 2014:
Celebrating the insertion of Manipur Sankirtan in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, UNESCO, the department of Arts and Culture, Government of Manipur organised an event at Sagolband Govindagi Mandop today.
Speaking as chief guest of the event, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi highlighted the importance of exposing the youths to the age old culture of the State, which he bewails, is slowly dying out.
The richness of the State's culture and tradition is reflected today with the acknowledgement of the same by the United Nations Educational Social and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in its estimable Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, the CM added.
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The achievement, he added, can be attributed to the attempts of various historians and teachers, both of the past and present, for keeping the culture alive.
"It is our duty therefore to carry forward these culture and traditions which our ancestors had so carefully guarded.
The Government would contribute everything in its power to safeguard the culture", the CM proclaimed.
This is the first time Manipur Sankirtan has been able to make its way in the UNESCO's list.
CM Ibobi calls for every possible effort from all sections of people to bring other aspect of the culture, also, into notice.
Manipur is a land of diversity.
Numerous cultural groups with their owns traditions and culture combine to make up the Manipuri community.
It is of utmost importance to acknowledge these cultures and at the same time elevate them to the level of distinction, the chief minister stated.
In continuation of the event, in his presidential speech MLA RK Imo of Sagolband constituency said, that the Sankirtan is perhaps the first aspect of Manipuri culture to have secured a place in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
The land has been able to make its presence felt in the world through two aspects, its rich culture and through sports.
"We should, therefore, give equal importance to our culture as we give to sports," the MLA added.
The event further honoured 17 people with a shawl and memento each for their dedication to Manipur Sankirtan and momentous roles they played in taking Sankirtan to the present level of widespread appreciation and recognition.