Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 13 2009:
There are two kinds of leaders in Manipur.
One group grew with culture to become leaders while the other group becomes leaders with contract works.
Those with contract backgrounds do not know what culture is and as a result, they have no enthusiasm to promote culture, Director of JN Manipur Dance Academy, Dilip Mayengbam said.
He was speaking at JN Dance Academy during the felicitation programme for the state's artistes who won laurel in the 14th National Youth Festival 2009, at Amritsar in January last organised by the All Manipur Art and Culture Students' Union (AMACSU) today.
Dilip Mayengbam stressed on the need to promote the cultures of the state while lamenting the indifferent attitude of the government towards this end.
He asks who had done what for the promotion of the world-famed Manipuri Jagoi (dance).
He said no stone has been left unturned for the inclusion of Manipuri dance in education curriculum as an optional subject so as to preserve the art form.
He added that when it is included in educational curriculum, some people may get a job from the art form.
Dilip also put forth a suggestion for the revision of the cash award of the prestigious State Kala Akademi while also calling the cooperation of the people in this regard.
The occasion was graced by Director of JN Manipur Dance Academy, Imphal, Dilip Mayengbam, president of AMACSU M Sobhamani as the Chief Guest and President respectively.
The guests of honour were Deputy Director of Manipur Arts and Culture Department, W Mera, and Director of Huyen Lalon Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association, Padmashree G Gourakishore.
Padmashree G Gourakishore also laments the indifferent attitude of the government for the promotion of art and artistes in the field of art and culture.
He said, though the government has implemented many developmental works in the state, its effort for the promotion of art and culture is negligible.
Gourakishore further observes that peaceful coexistence in the state can only be brought through art and culture.
He also laments that the artistes from the state who had won laurel for the state have been ignored by the government while it organises felicitations for achievers in other fields like sports.
Prominent achievers of the state who were feted today include Classical Manipuri dancer B Thaibema and instrumentalist Prithviraj, Kh Sunil and Y Johnson, various folk song singers and the Manipur team members and officials in the youth festival.