Clarion call given to preserve, promote cultural heritage
Source: Chronicle News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, March 20 2023:
The Tamei (Tamenglong) based Tribal Music, Dance & Craft Research Centre celebrated its 14th Foundation Day at Achanbigei Warok, Koirengei in Imphal with the event marked by display of cultural dances and presentation of folk songs.
Water Resources and Disaster Management minister Awangbow Newmai was chief guest while Cultural Workers and Activists' Forum (CWAF), Manipur president Budha Chingtham was president of the celebration function.
Speaking on the occasion, Awangbow Newmai stressed the importance of culture and tradition and expressed concern that the gap between the present generation and their culture/ tradition is widening with time and urged the gathering to be mindful of the trend.
In his speech, Budha Chingtham informed the gathering that only people of integrity and committed campaigners can do justice to culture and tradition.
He also stressed the need to work together with groups and communities to promote culture.
Both the speakers then heaped praises on Guru Kentaliu Newmei, who is behind the success story of the Tribal Music, Dance & Craft Research Centre.
Meanwhile, Guru Kentaliu Newmei and her husband professor Adibo Newmei spoke on how the former got the 'Guru' title.
Kentaliu recalled the struggles she went through and partly credited her husband for all the achievements.
Born in 1964 at Nkou village of Tamei sub-division in Tamenglong district, Kentaliu Newmei is a graduate from Manipur University and she is one of the steadfast votaries of culture.
Kentaliu has come a long way.
She received the Guru title under Guru Shishya Parampara Scheme of North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC-2019).She was also awarded the state Kala Akademi Award (2020) for 'Tribal Culture' .
Kentaliu has also written a book entitled 'Tahlung' which was published in 2018 and it is a well-researched book on Liangmai costumes and artefacts.
Presently, Kentaliu is the principal and dance instructor of Tribal Music, Dance & Craft Research Centre, Tamei.
Kentaliu has also produced the first Liangmai film called 'Liangmai Lakpui' in 2002.She has also produced two episodes of docu-feature on 'The Making of Liangmai Warrior' and 'The Eminent Person' (2003) for PPC (NE) .
She has also produced programmes for DDK Imphal and DDK Kohima.
Some of her notable works for TV are League of costume and dance', 'The busy bees of ' the hills', 'Indigenous fabric', 'Natki Massannasing', 'Traditional lifestyle of Liangmai', 'The arbour life', etc..
She is also the founder and producer of Chun Chun Films.
Talking about her campaign and research to NNN, Kentaliu narrated how hard it is to engage people on the issue.
She said that stultifying effects need to be created so that those people travestying genuine cultures in-depth research are necessary, she said.
About the specifics, Kentaliu cited an instance and said that identifying traditional attires which are mentioned in folk songs has become a herculean challenge for contemporary researchers.
She also pointed out so many areas where she continues to find it quite challenging.
She said that there are rooms for the purpose to get diluted if things are not taken care of well.
Kentaliu then said that the present generation needs to be informed and conscious of their cultures since there is already a nearby storm out there.
Concerted awareness campaigns on the adverse effects of this storm and consciousness of these adverse effects should impel the present generation to focus on the purpose, she added.