Call for recognition of Thang-Ta as UNESCO intangible heritage rung out
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 09 2020:
Expressing the need for promoting Thang-Ta, Theatre Mirror Manipur director Naba Wareppa on Sunday called for recognition of the indigenous martial arts form as an intangible cultural heritage under the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
Speaking during the production/presentation of Chung-Ta and Thang-Chungoi martial arts at Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association complex at Irilbung, the Thang-Ta, he said is not only a discipline but a "heritage gifted by our forefathers." It is unique and has even put Manipur on world map, he added.
Thang-Ta is a discipline that has many integral features with intrinsic values.
When developing the Thang-Ta as a sports event is good, "we should study the martial arts from well and decide which parts of it can be included and what should be excluded" .
Thang-Ta is also part of many sacred rituals and as such it should be studied well before devising the whole form as a sports event, he opined.
He also encouraged people of the State to embrace Thang-Ta as their identity and preserve it as treasure for generations to come.
Director of the Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association, K Sanathoi Sharma also stressed the need for studying Thang-Ta and said that the development of the martial arts form as a sports event sounds good but it needs more study.
While acknowledging the contribution of Chief Minister in promoting the Thang-Ta, he lamented that the martial arts form is "not a discipline that can be devised as a sports event" .
Thang-Ta is an art used by forefathers in war.
"One can't compete in Thang-Ta.
It is entirely a different discipline from any sports events," he asserted.
The event also witnessed felicitation of winners of the Chief Minister's Martial Arts (Thang-Ta Cheibi) Meet 2020 .