Hopeful of Lai Haraoba getting ICH status: RS MP
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 09 2024: Rajya Sabha MP and titular king of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba, expressed high hopes that Lai Haraoba, a religious festival closely linked to the Meetei community's culture and religion, could soon be recognised as UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the 3rd Iramdam Naatki Ashengba Thouram (INAT), an event held at the MSDFS Auditorium in Palace Compound, Imphal on Saturday, Leishemba Sanajaoba highlighted the cultural significance of the festival and emphasised the community's strong cultural presence in the global arena.

The INAT is a cultural and literary meet of the Manipur University of Culture (MUC).

Vice-chancellor Prof Paonam Gunindro presided over the session while eminent filmmaker and cultural icon Aribam Syam Sharma attended as guest of honour.

Sanajaoba remarked that although Manipur is a small state, it is rich in culture and sports, holding a prominent place in both.

He noted that the state's contributions include the modern sport of polo, which originated in Manipur, as well as the internationally acclaimed art forms of Raas Leela and Nata Sankirtana.

While Nata Sankirtana has already been recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, Sanajaoba said that there are now high possibilities that Lai Haraoba would receive similar recognition soon.

He also drew attention to the challenges faced by the Manipur University of Culture.

As per the latest University Grants Commission (UGC) report, there are 1,113 universities in the country, including 481 state universities, 56 central universities, and a mix of private and deemed universities.

Among them, only three universities are dedicated to culture: Utkal University of Culture in Odisha, Majuli University of Culture in Assam, and the Manipur University of Culture.

Sanajaoba pointed out that despite its immense potential, MUC remains the most underfunded and underdeveloped among the three, largely due to a lack of state funding and its land.

However, he noted that there is now hope for the university's future, as the state government has allocated 118 acres of land in Wakha, Imphal East, for its development.

Forest clearance for the land was granted on September 18, and the Central government has sanctioned funds for construction, with work set to begin soon.

Sanajaoba urged the government to prioritise the university's growth to ensure it competes on equal footing with other cultural institutions.

Emphasising the importance of cultural preservation, Sanajaoba remarked that "Manipuri culture" is not an exclusive term for Meetei culture only, but an inclusive term, encompassing the cultures of all indigenous communities in the state.

He called on every citizen of the state to work together to promote and uphold the traditions and culture of all communities.

In his address, MUC vice-chancellor Prof Paonam Gunindro acknowledged that the university faces infrastructural challenges, but stressed its academic achievements.

Despite its struggles, MUC has made significant progress in a short span of time of less than a decade, outperforming other cultural universities in several areas.

The two-day INAT meet will conclude on Sunday, with students showcasing various art and cultural programmes to highlight the vibrant traditions of Manipur.

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