Rain fails to dampen the spirit of peace and harmony
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Kanggui, May 16 2013: As part of the two-day long Handloom and Handicraft Exhibition being organized by Autonomous District Council-Sadar Hills (ADC-SH), a cultural meet for peace and harmony came alive with the performances of 10 cultural troupes of different ethnic tribes at Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi today.

The Cultural Meet was attended by Haokholal Hangshing, Chairman of ADC Sadar Hills; all EMs, Member of ADC-SH, Chongpu Kipgen, MCS, Chief Executive Officer, SH-ADC, Kangpokpi; Pastors; local civil bodies leaders and village chiefs in Sadar Hills.

Speaking on the occasion, Haokholal Hangshing said that the Cultural Meet was being organised solely for promotion of peace and harmony among all ethnic tribes in Sadar Hills.

But it was unfortunate that rain has played spoil sport and affected turn out of people.

"This might be the first ever Cultural Meet in the world organised solely for Peace and Harmony under heavy rainfall.

Rain should not stop us from striving to achieve Peace and Harmony.

The success of today's meet solely depends upon the cooperation render by the participants and the general public besides leaders of civil bodies, church leaders, NGOs, village chiefs and the state govt," Hangshing said, while appealing to all for continued support to ADC-SH in organizing such programmes in future as well.

He also appreciated the cultural troupes and other participants who have come from different parts in spite of inclement weather to make the event a success.

A troupe performing during the cultural meet at Kangpokpi

It may be noted that Hangshing himself had donated Rs 15,000 as first prize of the cultural meet.

The organising Chairman Haokholen Guite, who is also the Executive Member of ADC Sadar Hills, said, "We are one, though we have different names.

We live in one and the same land, therefore, we are all brothers and sisters" .

"Displaying our respective unique cultural dance while bearing miserable hardship caused by the rain together in one place signifies our oneness and brotherhood", noted Guite, while elaborating that it also signifies our eagerness to step in together in the field of positive development.

Guite further lamented that, the desires and hope of the government is also the same that all ethnic group of the state lives together in oneness, peace and harmony while expressing gratitude to the wide ranging minded and supportive Manipur state government for having been given us a great opportunity through helping while organising this type of Cultural meet to promote peace and harmony particularly within the ethnic tribes of Sadar Hills by displaying together their respective unique cultural identity.

"The prizes, the committee arrange for you is no match to the beautiful, unique and very much attractive cultural dance bearing all hardships under the rain.

The prizes are mean only to show our happiness and gratitude for your cooperation and contribution in striving together for peace and harmony within us.

The most important thing is the cultural dance you display to show our oneness and brotherhood thereby striving for peace and harmony", added Guite.

Guite also appealed to the state government to sanction more fund for organising such an encouraging and effective programme for promoting peace and harmony the next time since the current year sanction amount of Rs.3 lakhs is too less.

The participants cultural troupe in today's cultural meet were Daili, Sadu Koireng, Thangkanphai, Motbung, Leilon Vaiphei, Khengjang, Nungsai Chiru, Sandang Senba Maring, Chini-Ingkhol and Maram Art and Cultural Troupe.

Leilon Vaiphei Cultural Troupe has been adjusted winner of the Cultural meet while Sandang Senba Maring Cultural Troupe won the prize for 1st runner up and Thangkanphai Cultural Troupe for 2nd runner up.

The winner was awarded Rs.15,000 with a certificate of appreciation while 1st and 2nd runner up were awarded Rs.13,000 and Rs.12,000 with certificate of appreciation respectively.

Other participant cultural troupes were also given Rs.10,000 each with bus fare.

Closing ceremony of the two-day long Handloom and Handicraft cum Cultural Meet organised by Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council would be held tomorrow.