Ibobi harps on hill-valley unity
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 24 2015 : With the Centre clearing the stage for establishment of a Cultural University in the State, the State Government is mulling over appointment of a Vice-Chancellor and taking up the project at the earliest, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi stated at the 7th annual conference on Umanglai Haraoba held at MFDC, Palace Compound today.

Organised by the Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL), the annual conference opened with a Pena performance by pena artists.

Attending as chief guest of the conference, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi said a panel of experts are looking into appointment of a Vice-Chancellor for the proposed Uni- versity.

They are, he added, also working out curriculums, designs and other details to make sure the upcoming varsity can provide the best education.

Since the proposed institution is culture based, tradi- tions, customs and value systems of each and every indi- genous community would form the basic premises of the varsity's curriculum.

The State Government is yet to see which culture or set of communities should be prioritised for study in the upcoming University.

Welcoming UKAL's proposal for constitution of a separate institution for Umanglai Haraoba, the CM assured that the State will do all it can to promote the tradition of Umanglai Haraoba in the State.

The CM also lauded UKAL for its endeavour to promote and preserve the tradition of Umanglai Haraoba.

Umanglai Haraoba, the CM stated, is an important part of the Meitei tradition.

The dance forms as well as folk music performed by priests and priestesses during the Lai Haraoba rituals require deeper research and study.

Stating that there was no enmity between any two indigenous communities of the State, the CM maintained that any misunderstanding arising out of communication gap can be resolved through dialogue.

The hill people took active participation in the Lai Haraoba ceremonies of the valley people.

He appealed to both the valley and the hill people to preserve and promote the spirit of unity and brotherhood at all cost.

Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai, PDA Chairman T Mangibabu Singh, MI & DIPR Parliamentary Secretary K Meghachandra Singh and Department of Art and Culture Secretary K Radhakumar also attended today's conference.

The Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup also handed over its annual award to deserving personalities during the conference today.

U Tompok Meitei bagged this year's Best Amaiba award, Potshangbam Rajen Meitei, the Best Pena Artist Award and Wahengbam Priya Leima, the Best Amaibi Award.

Thougal Lup Ibudhou Soraren Lai Committee was also honoured with an award for organising the best Lai Haraoba ceremony.

Pension and other tokens of gratitude were also presented to selected people during the conference.

A discussion on Lai Haraoba rituals marked the end of the annual conference.

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