Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam holds fort
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 17 2013:
Describing Manipur as a land of 'uniqueness' best exemplified by the exploits and achievement of its sportspersons and cultural personalities, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said efforts must be sustained to discover the hidden talent for transforming the State into a land of treasure.
Speaking as the chief guest at the 20th Guru Kirtana Seva 2013 organised by Gulapi Nata Sankirtana Academy, Kwakeithel Nganappi Thong at GM Hall today, Gaikhangam said with Manipur considered to be abundantly blessed with hidden talents (sports) and hidden treasure (culture), there is need for every section of the society to not only acknowledge laurels brought to the State by cultural exponents but also lend support to upcoming artistes.
While abundant availability of talented sportspersons is a guarantee that Manipur will continue to succeed for a long time, in the field of art and culture there is still need for promoting and understanding benefit of rich cultural heritage.
Manipur State Kala Akademi Secretary S Vedeshwor Sharma in his address, noted that lack of debate/discussion on the issue of art and culture has been impeding further development of art and culture.
Expressing that cultural organisations need to regularly publish authentic literatures on art and culture as well as translate them in other languages to enable others understand rich cultural heritage of Manipur, the Akademi secretary also cited lack of financial support as one of the reasons for cultural literatures limited to the mother language only.
In a first of its kind in the Academy's celebration of Guru Kirtana Seva, 75 dedicated and veteran cultural personalities and scholars were honoured with presentation of simple gifts.
A website www.gulapinatasankirtana.co.in was also launched by the DyCM.