Promotion of Manipuri art and culture stressed
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 14 2022:
Underlining the importance of patriotic feelings in order to bring development in a society, Manipur University of Culture (MUC) vice-chancellor professor Paonam Gunindro has pointed out that patriotism is not possible without having knowledge of one's community, identity and culture.
Delivering the presidential speech at the inaugural function of a two-day cultural cum literary meet on 'Iramdam Natki Ashengba Thouram', which is being organised by MUC at Chandrakirti Auditorium, Palace Compound, here, on Monday, professor Gunindro said that Manipuris make up only 0.37 per cent of the country's total population.
Despite the small population, the state is making significant contribution in the field of art and culture as well as sports in the country.
Speaking about the different cultures of the state, he said that the theme of Raas Leela may have its origin from elsewhere, but the art form is highly regarded as a classical dance form of the country due to its aesthetics and unique blend with Manipuri dance form.
Manipuri Sankirtana, which has made the cut among UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is also the same.
At the same time, modern Polo is a gift of Manipur to the world, for which the state is proud of, he said.
Stating that there are 455 universities with UGC recognition run by state governments with only three of them being cultural universities, the vice chancellor said the first is Odisha's Utkal University of Culture, second is Manipur University of Culture and the third is Assam's Majuli University of Culture.
Among the three, MUC has the highest efficiency and potential, despite the lack of physical infrastructure, maintained Prof Gunindro while informing that MUC is planning to organise cultural festivals at zonal and national levels.
Culture is an inseparable part of human civilisation.
Manipur culture is a unique blend of aesthetic and ethical sense, and such culture is rare in the world.
It is the responsibility of the people of the state to promote such rare culture not only because of its beauty but also to instil the sense of patriotism among the people and further to bring development in the state.
Understanding culture, tradition and one's identity is the major motivational factor to evoke patriotic feeling in a person, he contended.
Art and culture director M Joy, who attended the event as chief guest, said that culture does not necessarily limit itself to performing arts but it is vastly associated with the human lives and lifestyles.
Social etiquette, behaviour, manner, rules and regulations, rites of passage and activities are all part of culture.
Upholding one's culture and tradition will help in protecting the identity of the community, he said and stressed the need for educating the youth about culture so that they could pass down the same to the next generation in order to keep it alive and flourishing.
Manipur University of Culture registrar L Radhakanta also attended the programme as guest of honour.
Several cultural programmes will be showcased during the two-day event.