Khashim calls for reviving ancient script 'Tangkhalen'
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, April 28 2023:
Transport minister Khashim Vashum has called for revival and reuse of the lost ancient Tangkhul script "Tangkhalen", stating that the same need to be taught to the younger generation for the upkeep of the age-old Tangkhul literature and culture.
The minister made the clarion call while speaking as chief guest of the Tangkhul Cultural Festival 2023 at Mission Ground, Alungtang in Ukhrul town on Friday.
He said that the script was unique to the Tangkhul Naga tribe and was an embodiment of the forefathers' literature and culture.
Moreover, the script was a source of pride and identity among the Tangkhul forefathers, he added.
"In our school days, we used to learn Fa, Ha, Lo etc.," he recited a few letters of the script and added that the script was used by the Tangkhul forefathers in various ancient manuscripts for ages, until it slowly fell into disuse and oblivion over time.
"Where has it gone today?" asked Vashum, while drawing the attention of all stakeholders and language enthusiasts of the Tangkhul community towards taking up initiative for recovering the lost script and reviving it.
Expressing concern and earnest desire to save the script from dying out, he said that rediscovering the lost script is crucial as it should be taught to the younger generation so that they take interest in keeping this ancient script alive.
Citing the Meetei Mayek script which has been in use for ages and is now recognised, he said that the same kind of recognition could be sought for Tangkhalen as it had also been used by Tangkhul elders for ages.
Vashum, who also holds the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary (AH&Vet) portfolio, went on to appeal to the gathering to remember their roots and protect their own identity which, he said, comes from proper preservation of one's culture and traditions.
Given the rapidly changing landscape of culture and tradition among Tangkhuls after the advent of Christianity, the minister has stressed on the need to preserve the culture and traditions and ancient items including artifacts.
"The custom and practices of our forefathers are not against Christianity, but despite this, today we see many of them gradually dying out.
We must take steps to preserve them at any cost," he pleaded.
He also highlighted the uniqueness of each tribe and community that resides in Manipur in terms of their traditional cultures and identities.
"The recognition that several tribes and communities of Manipur have managed to achieve is not because of their material riches but because of their rich cultural heritage," Vashum reminded.
Thanking the Tangkhul Naga Hao Art & Culture Council (TNHACC) for hosting the festival.
the minister said that any initiative that helps promote the Tangkhul cultural heritage should be seen as something to be appreciated.
He then assured that he would try his best to extend support for more such future initiatives towards promotion of the rich cultures.
Echoing these sentiments, Dr Alyson Abonmei, who attended the inaugural function as guest of honour, stressed the importance of keeping alive the rich ancient culture and traditions.
Dr Abonmei, who is an intending MP candidate, expressed his admiration of the colourful Tangkhul cultural heritage, and conveyed his desire to construct a mega cultural museum in Ukhrul town if he would be elected in the forthcoming MP elections.
The day-long festival witnessed an array of colourful cultural performances including folk songs and dances by Tangkhul Naga Myanmar troupe, Vachung KYS & party, Kasom Khullen, Raphei Katamnao Long and others.
Cultural practices like spinning top contest (Sao Katak), tug of War (Thineira Khangakhun), bamboo climbing (Kaha Yakaka) and Wrestling (Khangatuk) were also displayed.
An attraction of the celebration was the display of unique traditional trumpeting (Talia Kakhong) skills by a 15-year-old Wungnaothan Zimik from Ramva village.
Ningmaso AS, a Tangkhul elder from Shang-jing village, performed an instrumental melody with his traditional fiddle (Tingteila).
The festival was attended bylocal villagers of Hunphun and residents of the town.