Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 16 2009:
THE STATE Co-ordinator of Indira Gandhi Centre for Arts (IGNCA), Dr K Sobita has asked Dr KK Chakravarty, Member Secretary of IGNCA, New Delhi to make a clarification regarding the controversial representation of Manipuri culture in the ongoing Purvottri�Spirit of North East India at New Delhi.
Drawing the attention of the Member Secretary, IGNCA, Dr K Sobita in a letter stated that local newspapers based in Imphal had given coverage of the controversial manner in which artistes dressed in Manipuri clasical dance costume (Raas Leela) sung piece from Lai Haraoba song during the inaugural function of the festival on Janaury 10, based on reportage from Delhi.
She further stated that the newspaper coverage had raised an uproar in Imphal.
This issue concerns the state authority very much and the IGNCA should clarify that the artistes were not from Manipur and had nothing to do with the Manipur team.
She also expressed concern regarding the proposed performance of Raas by...
Contd.
on page 3groups from Assam on January 18."The issue of Bishnupriya Manipuri is of great concern in Manipur and if the Raas performance is projected as a cultural piece of Manipur, it certainly shall worsen the situation already created by the 'misrepresentation' of Manipuri culture in the inauguration," stated Dr Sobita in her letter.
She urged Dr Chakravarty to see that if at all there is a performance of the Rass on January 18, then there should be no room for further controversies.
The Raas performance should not be levelled as representing Manipuri culture, neither should it be announced as "Manipuri dance of Manipur,' Dr Sobita insisted in her letter.