Ura Trust dedicates academy to preservation of cultural legacy
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, April 09 2022:
With an aim to preserve and foster a greater understanding of the dying Tangkhul cultural legacy, Ura Trust, an Ukhrul-based NGO, has set up 'Hao Cultural Academy' (Hao Ngashan Worshim), an institution dedicated to learning of age-old folk songs and dances and indigenous musical instruments.
Located at Kamphasom in the heart of Ukhrul town, Hao Cultural Academy is the first institute of its kind in the entire district.
The new academy was inaugurated by IK Muivah, IGP (Adm) on Saturday in the presence of Ura Trust president Peingam Zimik, general secretary Vareishang Phungshok, TNL vice president K Tuisem, TNWL general secretary Kaphaoleng Angkang, TSL president Athing, TKS president Shimri Raising, Guru Rewben Mashangva and Guru Rawung.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, IK Muivah lauded the Ura Trust for taking the initiative of offering a learning platform for the youngsters towards preserving the Tangkhul culture.
"Today marks an important day in our cultural history because establishing this academy is sowing seeds of preservation of our culture for the posterity.
Such a cultural learning institute is long overdue," he said.
He said that Tangkhul forebears had rich, vibrant culture and traditions in the past but the cultural values are gradually losing among the younger generation nowadays.
"Today, our culture is on the brink of extinction with the present-day generation neglecting our customs and traditions, " he continued.
IK Muivah expressed optimism that establishment of the academy would educate and make the people aware about preserving the culture.
Maintaining that learning folk music has many benefits and advantages, he said that folk songs help people connect to their cultural roots.
He said that various archaic words and terminology of the Tangkhul forefathers could be found in (the lyrics of) different folk songs.
He said that Tangkhul forefathers had as many as 20 indigenous musical instruments.
"But today, these instruments have gone into oblivion and we need to rediscover them," he said.
He also suggested that Tangkhul indigenous orchestra could be instituted a la Western classical orchestra, by incorporating the melodies of all indigenous musical instruments.
Vareishang Phungshok, while highlighting the vision of the academy, said that rationale for establishing the institute is to help promote and preserve the dying culture.
"It is a voluntary service and all the faculty members are offering a voluntary service," he said.
He informed that the academic session would commence shortly, while adding that the present intake capacity of the academy is 40 students for each batch of three months.
The Ura Trust will be in charge of management of the academy, while Guru Rawung will be the main instructor, he said.
"We are also planning to set up cultural clubs in all colleges in the town to promote our culture and traditions", Phungshok said.
He then urged the CSOs for support and cooperation in fulfilling their vision.
Among the faculty members of the academy are Guru Rawung for Hao Talui (Trumpet), Guru Rewben Mashangva for Yangkahui (Five-hole flute), AS Ningmaso for Tingteila (Hao Violin), Khashim Vashum for Hao Laa (Folk Song), AS Jonathan for Hao Pheichak (Folk Dance) and L Changdhar for Hao Khon (Tune & Vocal) .
The faculty members enthralled the gathering with their skills in the indigenous instruments.
A colourful array of cultural presentations were also performed by different cultural troupes from Mapum and, Talui villages.
Comment
