Najma inaugurates Festival of Dance Drama
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, January 16 2019:
A three day festival of dance drama was inaugurated by Governor and Chairman of JNMDA Dr Najma Heptulla at the auditorium of JNMDA, Imphal today.
The function was presided by Vice Chairman of JNMDA Prof H Tombi.
Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Dr Najma said that she was fascinated and honoured to witness one of the dance drama, Shakuntala, of the State's famous choreographer late W Lokendrajit, on the occasion of completing 43 years of the production unit of JNMDA.
The governor maintained that Manipuri dance is not the art of Manipur alone but rather the art of India adding that its development is as important as the development of other cultural heritage.
"It is' therefore our bounden duty to preserve, nurture and enrich Manipuri dance and culture so that it may continue to enrich the Indian culture", noted Dr Najma.
"Ghana Baari Barikhata" by Manipuri Nartanalaya, Kolkata and "Maan Vikshya" by Manipuri Jagoi Marup, Imphal will be played on January 17 and 18 at 4 pm each at JNMDA Auditorium.
The festival was organised by JNMDA, Imphal on the completion of 43 years of production unit of the Academy which is featuring the best three productions of three prominent dance groups - JNMDA, Imphal, Manipuri Jagoi Marup and Manipuri Nartanalaya, Kolkata.
The Academy was established in 1954 under the patronage of the late Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
It is the first National Institution of its kind in India for Manipuri Dance.
The Academy is at present conducting various courses in Raas, Lai Haraoba, Nata-Sankirtana (Ishei), Nata-Sankirtana (Cholom), Nata-Sankirtana (Pung), Tribal Dance and Thang-Ta.
She expressed happiness that the JN Manipur Dance Academy, which was established more than 60 years ago with the sole objective of preserving and propagating Manipuri culture, particularly dance, has been devoting itself whole heartedly to this noble cause since then.