Thang-ta finds a place in school curriculum
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 02 2011:
Inclusion of Thang-Ta as a co-curricular activity in the private schools from the current session has been formally announced today with All Manipur Recognised Private Schools' Welfare Association hosting a programme to mark the traditional martial art form's inclusion at GM Hall today.
Speaking at the occasion, Secretary of Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur Dr H Nabachandra said taking into account the global context of changes in the education system, inclusion of Thang-Ta as a co-curricular activity had become a liability to ensure the younger generation understand and appreciate contribution of the forefathers to the Manipuri society.
While welcoming changes in the education system as well as in the society, he reminded that such a change should be in the positive perspective rather than drawing negative conclusion on new development.
Expressing confidence that inclusion of the martial art form as a co-curriculum activity would inculcate sense of discipline among the students, Nabachandra also informed that the Board had already taken the initiative for continuous and comprehensive evaluation of the State's education system through its implementation from the previous academic session.
In his address, advisor of the host Association L Tomba announced that from june onward Thang-Ta would be followed as a co-curricular activity in 20 private schools.
Suggesting that every effort should be made for upgrading Thang-Ta to the level of formal education, he also informed that the martial art form could be studied in three perspectives such as cultural, sports and education.
The only apprehension, Tomba said, with regard to development of the latest inclusion in the school curriculum relates to shortage of qualified teachers/exponents of the martial art form.
Apart from the Association president Doren Khabanganba, experienced Sintak Purels (instructors/exponents) of Thang-Ta G Gourakishore, L Heramod and Nodiya Mangang were also present at the occasion.