ATEREC observes 21st Foundation Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 21 2024: The Artiste Training Cum Educational Research Centre (ATEREC), Imphal celebrated its 21st Foundation Day at Khurai Nongthumbung Leikai on Tuesday.

The programme held at the residence of ATEREC secretary Okendro Khundongbam was attended by ATEREC president Sobita Soubam, lyricists Doneshwar Konsam, Thingbaijam Swarankumar and Professor Dr Laishram Landhoni, Associate Professor, Biramangol College Sawombung as presidium members, said a release issued by ATEREC Imphal.

Speaking on the occasion, Sobita Soubam appealed to the people to support and respect the village volunteers who are camping in peripheral areas to protect their motherland.

It is their courage in the face of hardships that has allowed people to carry out their day to day lives in Imphal and other non-conflict areas, she added.

Okendro Khundongbam stated that ATEREC which was formed for the upliftment of singers and lyricists has completed 21 years of service to the public.

Despite the ongoing conflict, artists cannot stop writing poems, songs and stories about the crisis, said Rakesh Naorem, executive member, ATEREC.

Stating that stories about the current turmoil will become history for posterity, he further highlighted the role and importance of patriotic songs in such restive situations.

Maintaining patriotic song competition should be conducted for children, he stated that when children sing these songs, the idea of nationalism will be awakened in the hearts of people.

In addition, he remarked that people should not halt their occupational duties even in the midst of a war.

Farmers who cultivate and produce rice, vegetables etc for the consumption of village volunteers who are currently guarding the peripheral areas in the foothills are also performing their patriotic duties, he asserted.

In order to lessen the impact of sudden and unpredictable highway blockades, he also urged people to become self-sufficient by increasing the yield of agricultural products.

Waikhom Bihari, vice president ATEREC; SK Apanba, executive member ATEREC and Sobita Mongjam, former vice president ATEREC also spoke at length about various topics.

The gathering also observed two minutes of silence to pay respect to the deceased members of ATEREC as well as the martyrs who have laid down their lives for the State in the ongoing conflict.

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