Observance of World Heritage Week concludes
Art and Culture Commissioner highlights importance of heritage preservation
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 09 2022:
The week-long observance of World Heritage Week organised by Manipur State Archaeology, Department of Art and Culture concluded on Friday at Kangla Hall, with distribution of certificates to the participants who took part in different activities conducted as part of the observance.
Speaking as chief guest of the closing function, art and culture commissioner M Joy explained that basic social beliefs, customs and traditions, which one needs to follow, are learnt from our families and the surrounding environment and stressed the importance of imparting them to the upcoming generations.
"We now see aberration in the manner we address elders and this is because the basic manners and disciplines were not imparted.
We have started using the borrowed languages while addressing our elders and if this trend continues, it will gradually become the 'new norm' and we will see drastic changes in our culture and tradition.
Therefore, we need to teach our children our basic culture and tradition so as to keep it intact," the commissioner said while adding that it is important to protect our heritage as it adds character and distinctiveness to the place, region or community and hence provides a sense of identity.
Informing that Manipuri Nat Sankirtana has been declared as intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO and if there are any variations from the uniqueness of Nat Sankirtana, the recognition granted by UNESCO could be abrogated, Joy also cautioned that we need to preserve and protect this very heritage so that it remains intact.
Cultural heritage is central to protecting our sense of who we are.
It gives us an irrefutable connection to the past, to certain social values, beliefs, customs and traditions, which allow us to identify ourselves as Manipuris and deepen our sense of unity and belongingness, he added.
Presided over by art and culture director L Kishworjit, the function was also attended by DM College of Commerce former Principal Dr O Kumar as guest of honour.