DESAM calls for lesson on MPA, pony riding
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 02 2022:
Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has written to the Chief Minister and the education minister, requesting to include Manipuri Performing Art (MPA) as an optional paper, Pony Riding as mandatory co-curricular activities and introduce practical for MPA and Thang-Ta in the syllabi of Class IX and X under Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BSEM).
In the written request, DESAM urged the state government to introduce MPA in the school syllabi for Class IX and X as part of government policy and a follow-up action to National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, so that the students can learn about the same before doing under graduation.
Apart from this, the students body suggested introduction of pony riding to students so as to popularise the pony under the Manipur Pony Conservation and Development Policy.
NEP-2020 contains different aspects for promoting the language and culture of all communities, with NEP (4:31) specifying the inclusion of local contents and flavour in school curriculum.
The Policy emphasises on cultural awareness and expression so as to make the students aware of their sense of identity, belongingness and culture.
Schools/School Complexes are to hire local eminent personalities or experts as 'master instructor' to teach the students in varied subjects like traditional local arts, vocational crafts, etc., as stated under NEP 2020 (5:6).DESAM continued that the performing arts of a community showcase the culture, value system and society of the community in question.
Manipur is renowned for its unique and rich cultural heritage, with Manipuri Raas dance being one of India's classical dances and Manipur Sankirtana named in the Intangible Heritage list of UNESCO.
Polo and Thang-Ta are examples of the chivalry and ethical aspects of Manipuri culture, while Manipuri pony is an integral part of our history, culture and identity.
However, it is at the risk of going extinct.
As such, Pony Riding course should be introduced in the state's school education to instil cultural identity, belongingness and self-esteem among the new generation.
Furthermore, the Manipuri Paper syllabus of UPSC main examination contains units related to performing arts like Lai Haraoba, Maha Raas, Sagol Kangjei, Khong Kangjei, Kang, Folk Tale, Folk Song, Ballad and others.
However, most students are least aware about performing arts.
Thus, MPA should be included in the school education in a phase-by-phase manner till the higher secondary level, the Alliance urged.
"The curriculum of MPA could include -1) Dances of Manipur (Traditional dances of Manipur particularly tribal dances and Manipuri classical dance); 2) Music (folk song, musical instrument, Khongjom Parva, Moirang Parva, Wari Leeba, Pena); 3) Manipuri Sankirtana; 4) Lai haraoba, Laithou Touba; 5) Theatre, Shumang Kumhei and 6) Arambai art, Sagol Kangjei, pony riding methods and techniques," DESAM suggested, while expressing belief that the CM and the education minister would take up appropriate action with regard to the request in the interest of the students and future generation of the state.