Closing function of 12th Shumang Leela Ningtham Kumhei ; Ibobi calls for social reformation
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 08 2016:
Chief Minister O Ibobi has called upon Shumang Leela artistes and exponents to use the popular art form as a medium of bringing social reformation in the State.
He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 12th Shumang Leela Ningtham Kumhei 2015-16 held today at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound here under the aegis of the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council.
Rather than treating Shumang Leela as a medium of recreation and entertainment, social ills and virtues reflected in Shumang Leelas should be given serious thoughts so as to steer the society to the right path.
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Shumang Leela, if properly channelised, can definitely bring social reformation.
All the people, particularly Shumang Leela artistes and exponents, should contribute their mites to make the popular art form more refined and grounded on reality, he said.
Commenting on a memorandum submitted by the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council, the Chief Minister stated that the Government cannot give any commitment to the proposal to allocate the plot where the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen stands at present to the Council.
Nonetheless, the appeal to lease out the plot to the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council for some specific periods may be considered, Ibobi added.
Though the Government wishes to extend all possible assistance to Shumang Leela artistes, the Government finds it difficult to institute a regular pension scheme for veteran Shumang Leela artistes on account of the State's limited resources.
Ibobi then expressed keen desire to play Shumang Leelas which are related or based on the history of Manipur.
This would go a long way in identifying Manipuri people.
Politics have no place in the minds of dedicated artistes and politicization of culture is a very dangerous cocktail.
Speaker Th Lokeshwar and MLA K Ranjit were also present at the closing ceremony where different awards were distributed to outstanding Shumang Leela Artistes.
KETAWN Ideal Award was presented to A Santosh of Peace Maker Artistes' Association, KETAWN Popular Award to H Tompok of Sanaleibak Nachom Artistes' Association, Bori Award to L Kunjaraj, Gojen Award to K Manihar and Pidonu Award to M Ningthem.
The function culminated with presentation of Sanaleibak Nachom Artistes' Association's play Melei Leisana.