Little interest given to Shumang Leela despite its role as a mass media in society: Jayantakumar
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 14 2017: Shumang Leela Ningtham Kumhei, 2017 (Shumang Leela winter festival) commenced at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen today .

The Shumang Leela festival which will be held for 14 days, from December 14 to 27, was organized by Manipur State Shumang Leela Council.

Nongin Shamang Leela Artistes' Association's play "Nungshibi Hu" was showcased today .

The opening function of the Shumang Leela festival was graced by Arts and Culture Minister L Jayantakumar Singh, MLA of Naoriya Pakhanglakpa A/C, Soibam Subhaschandra Singh and ICM, Imphal Chairman L Tompishak Singh as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively .

Speaking at the function, Jayantakumar observed that the public as well as the State Government give little interest in nurturing and promoting Shumang Leela, although the society recognized Shumang Leela as a main form of art and a vibrant traditional form of mass media that reflects the image of a society .

He pointed out that there is no budget or special funds allocated for Shumang Leela in spite of the many difficulties being encountered by those who strive to promote and flourish the art form .

Stressing on the need of occupying/maintaining an ideal place for Shumang Leela, the Minister appealed the Manipur Shumang Leela Council members and those who are closely connected with the promotion of Shumang Leela to formally approach and inform the Government or the Minister if there is any suitable place/site for construction of a structure meant only for the Shumang Leela .

Jayanta then assured of endorsing support in promoting and fostering of the art form while suggesting possible ways to take funding from Central agencies like North-Eastern Council for the initiative.

He also expressed his concern whether seminars and workshops can be included in the Shumang Leela festival in the near future .

Sougrakpam Hemanta, a life-time member of Manipur State Shumang Leela Council while giving his key-note address conveyed that the Shumang Leela Ningtham Kumhei is celebrated with the view that it would help in designing an academic platform for the Shumang Leela artistes, apart from providing an opportunity for showcasing their talents .

Unlike other art forms like dance and Pung Cholom, Shumang Leela does not get adequate room to showcase their talents and the artistes do not get the chance to participate in National level competitions unlike other art forms, he continued .

He also drew the attention of the State Government to provide special attention to the art form and its artistes in like fostering the art form, providing special healthcare facilities and job opportunity to those who achiieve national awards.

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