RS MP bats for Kangla as Heritage Site
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 18 2021:
With the approval of the Centre, due processes have been taken up to send a recommendation for declaring Kangla as a World Heritage Site and Meeteilon as a classical language of India, said Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba today.
Addressing a World Heritage Day 2021 function at Kangla as chief guest, the MP continued that the Centre had apprised the State Government to send a proposal for recommending Kangla as a World Heritage Site.
The programme was organised by State Archaeology, Department of Art and Culture under the theme "Complex Past: Diverse Future" .
He also apprised that Chief Minister N Biren had directed the authority concerned to send the proposal sought by the Centre.
Reminding the people that he had already raised the necessity to protect the archaeological sites and monuments in the State and to recognise Manipuri as a classical language of India on the floor of Parliament, Leishemba, who is also the titular king of Manipur, maintained that a special budget will be allocated for protecting Meeteilon and generate employment opportunity to many once it receives classical status.
The MP then urged the authority concerned to send the proposal at the earliest.
Former Director of Art and Culture, Dr K Sobita spoke about the significance of observing this day.
She said that the resolution to observe World Heritage Day on April 18 every year was taken at the 22nd session of the UNESCO conference in November 1983.Stating that though there are 38 World Heritage sites in India, which is the sixth-largest in the world, Manipur has none, Dr Sobita appealed to the people of Manipur to help in promoting Keibul Lamjao, Shirui Hills, Dzuko Valley which are home to rare flora and fauna to the world as sites of cultural and scientific significance.
Commissioner of Art and Culture, M Joy also appealed to all communities settled in the State to preserve their culture and historical sites.
As a part of the function, Leishemba Sanajaoba opened a photo exhibition exhibiting world heritage monuments and State protected monuments.