CM vows support to State Shumang Leela Council
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, May 20 2022: Chief minister N Biren Singh has said that state government will actively consider providing an annual grant of around Rs 20-30 lakhs to the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council (MSSLC) for the welfare of Shumang Leela artistes.

He made the announcement while speaking as chief guest at the opening function of the 18th Shumang Leela Ningtham Kumhei, 2021-22 organised by MSSLC in commemoration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen on Friday.

The CM stated that the land where Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen complex stands today would be exclusively reserved only for Shumang Leela and assured that the proposal for renovation of the Shanglen would be looked into by the government.

Biren pointed out that artistes in the state usually have no financial or emotional support after they retire from their respective professions, and they were one of the most affected groups of the society during COVID-19 pandemic economically.

"As such, the state government introduced Chief Ministergi Artiste Singgi Tengbang with the sole objective to extend the much-needed help to artistes," he said.

Stating that there are many flaws in the system, he opined that it should be rectified bit by bit.

He further said that it would be the loss of the society if the movement of Shumang Leela weakens, because it is through this rare art form that people are educated on social evils, civic sense, history of Manipur, origin of its people, etc.

Observing that everybody should join hands to promote Shumang Leela, CM Biren also urged Shumang Leela groups to produce plays which depict the courage of those brave forefathers, who had sacrificed their life to build up the present Manipur.

No youth would go to the wrong path if they have sense of patriotism and nationalism in their minds, he observed.

Recounting the problems the previous BJP led coalition government faced in carrying out development activities, Biren stated that the activities could now be taken with ease under the BJP-only government, thereby helping in bringing new developmental changes in the state.

He then stressed the need for rectifying the system so as to usher in these developmental changes, for which steps are being taken up such as formulating a new transfer posting policy wherein employees must spend at least 1-3 years at their place of postings, and also setting up a Staff Selection Board for fair recruitment.

Stating that the government is for the people, the chief minister highlighted the introduction of CMHT, welfare schemes for differently-able people and artistes.

Additionally, discussions have commenced with top government officials from Friday onwards to conduct house-to-house survey in all 68 sub-divisions of the state.

Biren continued: "Manipur was born with the sacrifices of our forefathers and as such, those aware of the history of the state and have a long-term vision for the state, will not, do anything that is detrimental to the integrity of Manipur.

Thus, the people, especially the youth should be made aware of the history of the state.

Supplementary knowledge could be obtained from depictions of 'Seven Years Devastation', 'Anglo-Manipuri War', Maharaj Kulachandra, Gambhir Singh, etc., through films, plays, dramas and others, so as to help instil the spirit of patriotism amongst the youth".

CAF&PD minister L Susindro Meitei also attended the function, during which Education (S) director L Nandakumar, DIPR director H Balkrisna and Art and Culture director Ng Uttam were felicitated for their support and co-operation to the Council.

In his speech, Minister L Susindro (Yaima) stated that Shumang Leela is a priceless art form of the state and as such, it should be preserved in addition to honouring the artistes who have sacrificed their entire life for the same.

MSSLC lifetime secretary Sougrakpam Hemanta said that the Council has been working tirelessly to promote Shumang Leela, which is the traditional theatre of Manipur.

However, to further promote this art form, there is the need to establish an academy for Moirang Parva and a Shumang Leela Institute.

Later, Peacemaker Artistes' Association presented the play, 'Mou Ahum Ningol Ama' to mark the inaugural day of the festival.

Sanaleibak Nachom Artistes would be presenting the play, 'Kak-ee dagi Ee' on Saturday.

A total of 11 Shumang Leela groups will be taking part in the festival which will conclude on May 30 .

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