World Heritage Day - 2016 observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 18 2016: Painting competition for school students marked the observation of the World Heritage Day today at Kangla Fort under the aegis of Manipur State Archeology, Department of Art and Culture, Govt of Manipur.

The day was observed with the theme 'The Heritage of Sports'.

Students from different schools participated in the painting competition held in three different categories.

The formal function of the observation was later held at Kangla Hall, Imphal where Commissioner, Art and Culture, Govt of Manipur K Radhakumar was the chief guest.

Director of Art and Culture Dr K Sushila was the functional president and Director of Mutua Museum, Mutua Bahadur attended as the guest of honour.

Eminent scholars, historians and enthusiasts also attended the observation at Kangla Fort.

World Heritage Day - 2016 observed

Radhakumar cited that the sense of protection and preservation of numerous historic sites found in different parts of the State should be infused to young children.

He stated that there is urgent need to preserve and protect sites which were earlier claimed to be of historic importance.

Due to severe financial instability, help form the Ministry of Culture will be sought.

The State Government has taken up steps to shift the army from the Langthabal hills, he said.

"It is high time that research work to locate other heritage sites through a State level committee should be initiated," Radhakumar said.

Functional president Dr K Sushila proposed certain steps to conduct archeological surveys in different parts of the State which are regarded to be of historic importance.

Numerous stone engravings found in different locations needs to be deciphered which can help in determining the people's origin and history.

She further said that the Manipur State Archeology needs to be strengthened to take up steps in preserving and conserving the heritage sites.

On the other hand Mutua Bahadur expressed that the State has a poor cultural policy and it could be one of many reasons of losing the heritage sites from time to time.

People are not aware of the importance and significance of such heritage sites.

It may be mentioned that the State is home to 59 heritage sites.

Naming various important historic sites of Manipur, Mutua stated that the stone inscription found in the sites should be conserved and preserved by any means.

He added that a step to strengthen the culture is to include culture related chapters in school syllabus.

Among the invitees Dr L Kunjeshori stated that besides having historic sites, there are many places in the State where pre-historic imprints could be found.

Tharon cave of Tamenglong district and Khangkhui cave of Ukhrul district are some of the examples where stone tools and bone tools were found.

Besides these places, remains and carving of pre-historic man can also be found in Khoupum valley and Chandel, she said.

It is unfortunate that such historically important places are vanishing with time as there is little awareness among villagers of its importance.

She said, "Such historic sites are not only for Manipur, but for the rest of the world" .

Further she urged the people to share with the Manipur State Archeology if anything of historic importance is found.

As part of the observation, a website for the office of Kangla Fort Board and Manipur State Archaeology was also launched and an annual report (2015-16) of Manipur State Archaeology was also released by the dignitaries.

Cash award and citations were also distributed to winners of the painting competition held as part of the observation.

In category-A (class I to IV) M Thoithoibi, P Sai Princy Devi and I Nungshithoi Chanu bagged the first, second and third position respectively.

While in category-B (class V to VII) L Rohit, Rk Dhanaraj and Deepali N bagged the first, second and third position respectively.

For category- C (class VIII to X) Telem Khaidem, Wangthoi Angom and Y Davidson received the first, second and third position respectively.

For each category five consolation prize winners also received cash award and citations.