Rhizome festival concludes
Source: The Sangai Express
Thoubal, January 19 2018:
The first ever 'Rhizome Festival' organised by Rural Auxiliary For People's Action (RAPA), Lamding in association with State AYUSH Society, Directorate of AYUSH Manipur under the aegis of MIDS, Horticulture and Soil Conservation concluded today at Ningtam Ingkhol, Tekcham Maning Ching, Thoubal.
The festival aimed at promoting, preserving and protecting the endangered rhizomes, many of which have medicinal properties, such as Kanghu, Yai Amuba, Yai Angouba, Haa, Khutchappi, Tekhao Yaikhu, Uri Moinambi, Pulei Manbi, Yaingang, Shing, Thambou, Mangra, Pan and Koukha.
MLA Wangkhem AC K Meghachandra, MLA Wangkhei AC O Hennary, MLA Khangabok AC O Surjakumar, DIG Manipur Police Sh Dwijamani, DFO Thoubal RK Amarjit, Principal IRE Group of Institution N Rajivkumar and film actor RK Somendro (Kaiku) attended the closing event as dignitaries.
Rhizomes stalls were opened during the festival and awareness on the importance and medicinal properties of the rhizomes were given to the people.
Dignitaries at the event expressed their interests in continuation of such festival in the future and proposed establishment of a 'botanical park' that could help preserve and revive the rhizomes.
Speaking at the occasion, MLA O Surjakumar assured that he will present the proposed establishment of the botanical park in the State Assembly.
The closing day witnessed cultural activities of different communities and many competitions for school/ college students.
Painting, speech, quiz competitions and talent hunt programmes were organised during the event.
Ningombam Dhanapati Devi of Sapam Maning Leikai secured the first position in Manipuri solo dance competition while Sougrakpam Anupama Devi of Khongjom Maning Leikai and Sanju Sagolshem of Thoubal Haokha were adjudged second and third respectively.
Laikhuram Lanchenba Khuman of Ching Area Mana Ingkhol, Langpoklakpam Yaiphaba of Tekcham Bazar and Roshini Sapam of Khongjom Bazar were adjudged first, second and third in the painting competition.
Aeena Sapam of Sapam Mayai Leikai, Chingtham Diana of Sapam Maning Leikai, Thingujam Karnajit of Sapam Maning Leikai were adjudged first, second and third in the quiz competition.
Dignitaries of the event presented the winners of the competitions with prizes and citations.