Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 23:
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi and Research Forum, Manipur jointly organised a National seminar on the central theme of 'Early history of Manipur' at Kangla Hall here today.
The inaugural function of the day-long seminar was attended by MLA Ng Bijoy and president of Research Forum, Manipur Dr A Birchandra as chief guest and functional president respectively.
Delivering the key note address of the seminar, Dr Mangsatabam Lokendra described Manipur as a land which has been able to preserve its unique identity all along its long and eventful history.
Manipur has been known to the outside world under various names in different phases of its history.
So the seminar has been organised with the main objective of preserving and promoting the unique identity and culture of Manipur and its people by the Forum which is a joint body of dedicated researchers and historians, he said.
Speaking as chief guest of the function, MLA Ng Bijoy pointed out that academic study of the early history of Manipur, its social structure, economic condition and the lifestyle of its people is essential.
He lamented that the Government of Manipur has not made any conscious attempt in this regard by allotting necessary fund in the budget of the Education Department.
No efforts have also been made to bring out publication in this connection, he alleged.
Releasing the quarterly journal 'Reforms' of the Research Forum, Manipur, the MLA observed that the efforts should be made to popularise the journal as a professional journal.
It would be essential to include more and more thoroughly researched articles and write-ups in the journal to help the future generation of students in understanding the history of Manipur, he suggested.
Haoroibam Indramani, Hareshwar Goswami, W Nabakumar and Nungleppam Shyamkanhai were among the resource persons who read out papers during the seminar moderated by Dr Kriti.