State's cultural heritage awes Governor
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 17 2014 :
Governor VK Duggal said that he was literally overwhelmed by the variety of intangible cultural heritage of the State during the past four and a half months of his stay in Manipur.
He was addressing the 56th Foundation Day celebration of the Cultural Forum, Manipur held at the auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy today.
The Governor said that the State has emerged as a veritable paradise for sociologists, anthropologists and cultural aficionados.
Observing that though the State already has numerous academic works, there are still lots of things to be done before the wave of globalization sweeps away different traditions of the State, VK Duggal said that if it indeed happens, it would not only be a loss for the State but for the whole country.
In his speech, the Governor also lauded the senior founding members of the Forum, who were felicitated at the function, for their far-sightedness and contribution towards enrichment of Manipuri culture.
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Congratulating the Sahitya Akademi awardees and other prize winners, who were felicitated at the function, the Governor said that it was because of their efforts that Manipur was known to the outside world.
The Governor also suggested to the Forum to include Gurus and artistes of hill areas, who are making similar contribution in the promotion and preservation of the culture of Manipur, in next year's felicitation ceremony.
Apart from felicitating four Sahitya Akademi award winners, the Forum awarded Life Time Achievement award to five persons at the function.
Thoibi Award 2013 (Creative Plastic Art) Lifetime Achievement Award was handed over to Thoidingjam Tombi Singh at the function.
Dineshwori Sahitya Award 2014 was conferred on Aribam Chitreswar Sharma while Huirem Amuba and Yaimabi Award 2014 (Lifetime Achievement in Literature) was awarded to Elangbam Sonamani.
Prof Chongtham Manihar Award and Lairellakpam Dharambir Literary Award were given to Laishram Samarendra and Parsuram Thingnam respectively while Laishom Ongbi Indrani and Laishom Geetabali Memorial Award 2014 was awarded to Ningombam Sanatombi and Dr Ibeyaima Cultural Harmony Award to Thounaojam Iboyaima.
Cultural Forum, Manipur president Lairellakpam Iboton and Keishamthong AC MLA Laishom Ibomcha attended the function as president and guest of honour respectively.
Laishom Ibomcha while speaking at the function said that the Cultural Forum, Manipur was formed by a group of Manipuri literature lovers.
Although, Manipuri was included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution together with Konkani, Manipuri has not been able to get the status of a scheduled language.
In his speech, Lairellakpam Iboton spoke on the works and contribution of the Cultural Forum, Manipur.