Biswajit assures to build artistes' museum
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 19 2022: Power minister Thongam Biswajit has announced that Thongam Sajou Memorial Trust will soon construct a government-recognised museum to honour the artistes who made significant contributions in the cultural field of Manipur despite many difficulties.

The valedictory function of the 2-day 30th Annual Function and Festival of Traditional Indigenous Manipur Dance Show held in connection with a 20-day Workshop and Seminar on 'Study of Origin and Style of Classical Dance Selected Bhangees (Gostha Bhangee, Gopee Bhangee)' organised by Meitei traditional Dance Teaching School and Performing Centre, Imphal, was held at JN Manipur Dance Academy auditorium, here, on Sunday.

Speaking as chief guest of the valedictory function, Biswajit acknowledged that Manipur is known all over the world for its culture and sporting prowess due to the efforts, contributions and sacrifices of all those who worked or were involved in these two fields.

One can be successful in various fields and not just by becoming doctors, engineers or officers.

Parents cannot force their dreams upon their children and must understand that their wards will taste success if they get to choose their own preferences.

Hard work is a challenge, he stated, and as such, urged for concerted efforts in preserving the state's art forms and sports so as to bring about a better society and showcase Manipur's unique charm to the world.

The minister continued that the Lai Haraoba festival is an important festival of Manipur, especially for the Meetei community.

The festival tells the origin of the land and the bond between the hills and the valley since time immemorial and as such this needs to be taught to the young people.

He then invited suggestions for promotion of the existing art and culture, stating that the government will do its best to realise them.

Further sharing his observation that the society will continue to progress as long as the culture progress, he urged all concerned to move forward for the same.

Presided over by Meitei Traditional Dance Teaching School and Performing Centre, principal Dr E Indira Devi, the closing function was attended by Art and Culture ex director Dr K Sobita and JN Manipur Dance Academy director Pukhrambam Bilas as guests of honour.

During the function, the dignitaries released a souvenir to mark the 30th anniversary of Meitei Traditional Dance Teaching School and Performing Centre, Imphal'.

Later, a documentary film, titled, "Khongchat" was released and its cast felicitated.

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