'Cultural exchange vital for communal harmony'
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Kangpokpi, December 06 2014 :
IFC Minister Ngamthang Haokip has emphasized on the need to organize cultural exchange programmes for promoting communal harmony in the State.
He was speaking as Chief Guest of the 1st Cultural Exchange Programme organized by Mayangkhang Area Youth Organization (MAYO) under the theme "Cultural & Communal Harmony" at Thangal Ecological Park, Mayangkhang in Senapati district today.
Ngamthang further appealed to all to shun violence and strive to bring peace and harmony in the State through mutual understanding and respect of each other's culture.
ADM of Senapati K Laksmikanta Sharma, who graced the function as Guest of Honour, stated that cultural exchange programmes help people to understand different cultures, religions, geographical and socio-economic backgrounds which form the very essence of India's unity in diversity.
Emphasizing on the necessity for promoting such cultural exchange programmes, the ADM maintained that peace and harmony would prevail only if people know and respect each other's culture and tradition.
"Mind without culture can never produce good fruit", exclaimed Superintendent of Taxes Th Sanglou, who presided over the cultural exchange programme.
Sanglou further said that cultural exchange in a broad sense includes exchange of knowledge, information, technological system, and human resources to enhance the quality of human life while education is one such podium through which cultural exchange is possible on a larger scale.
In his keynote address, President of Mayangkhang Area Youth Organization said that the fundamental goal of the programme is to bring closer all communities dwelling within Mayangkhang area and light up better mutual understanding through cultural exchange.
He also pointed out that most states in India have recognized the importance of cultural exchange and have been making active efforts through their Governments and non-governmental organizations to organize more of such exchange programmes.
He further appealed to the State Government to provide certain funds to civil organizations for organizing more of such cultural exchange programmes in the State.
Various civil society society leaders, village chiefs, church leaders and students participated in the cultural exchange programme marked with numerous cultural dances, folk songs, traditional talent competition and indigenous refreshment.