Governor opens drama fest
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, January 16 2020: A two-day celebration of 100 years of Manipuri Dance in Santiniketan and Festival of Dance Drama was inaugurated by Governor (and Chairperson of JNMDA) Dr Najma Heptulla, at the auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA), today.

Speaking as the chief guest of the event, she said that it is a privilege for her to be in the midst of the celebration of 100 years of introduction of Manipuri Dance at Santiniketan and observance of 44th foundation day of the production unit of the academy.

She also congratulated distinguished artistes who have kept the State's great cultural traditions at its peak.

The production unit of this academy has produced more than 40 dance dramas, which is really praiseworthy.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, a National institution, the first of its kind in India for Manipuri dance, was established in the year 1954 under the patronage of late Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru with the sole objective of preserving and promoting Manipuri culture such as dance, music, dance drama not only within the country but overseas too, she added.

The Governor further stated that artistes from the State have given innumerable shows in the country and abroad and they have brought commendation and recognition from various parts of the country and beyond.

Manipur is today popularly known to the world through her rich performing arts and culture and not through her geographical position and size, she said.

In his presidential speech, Prof H Tombi Singh, Vice-Chairman, JNMDA, said that Manipuri dance has unique features which are so well developed and he wished the artistes to offer more significant contributions in the production unit.

The occasion was attended by scholars, artistes and students of JNMDA, among others.

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