Language, religion & culture shape personality of an indvidual, says Jarnail Singh
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 18 2020: A one day international workshop on "Importance of language and religion in safeguarding cultural diaspora" (With special reference to Manipuri Diaspora Relations) was held at VC Court Hall, Manipur University today.

Department of Dance 7 Music, under the aegis of UGC-Stride Component-1 UGC, New Delhi organised the workshop.

MU Administrator Jarnail Singh, School of Humanities, MU Dean Professor Ch Yashwanta and Act East Policy Committee, GoM convenor RK Shivchandra attended the function as dignitaries.

Speaking at the function, Jarnail Singh opined that the topic of the workshop was significant and interesting as language, religion and culture are important factors in shaping the personality and character of an individual and the role played by him or her in a society.

A person will only realise the true value of religion, culture and language when he or she lives in another place having different religion and culture.

When a small community resides in another country or place, it is difficult for the community to uphold the above aspects.

Lamenting that Meitei communities, who were residing in Myanmar, have almost disappeared from the said country now, Shivchandra said that the Meiteis who are living there still find it difficult to speak Manipuri, which is really unfortunate.

Safeguarding and upholding the religion, customs and language of Manipur only in the State will not be sufficient enough as promotion and protection of the language and religion among Meiteis residing outside the State is also necessary.

Prof Yashwanta expressed desire for NGOs, CSOs of Manipur to show more enthusiasm and put extra effort in saving Manipuri diaspora.

During the academic session of the workshop, experts and resource persons deliberated on 'Language as carrier of diaspora culture' and Diaspora culture and identity protection' .

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