Thang-Ta festival commemorates Khongjom Day
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, April 23 2012: Commemorating Khongjom Day observance, a Three-Day long Thang-Ta Festival honouring the rich tradition of indigenous Kanglei Thang-Ta kicked off today at Lamyanba Shanglen here.

The festival is being organised by Kanglei Indigenous Martial Arts and Cultural Society (KIMACS).

It is the second edition of the festival.

The festival commenced with a march participated by students of various Thang-Ta institutes from Kangla Utra Shanglen.

The march was flagged off by the titular King of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba.

Floral tributes were also paid to the photo of Paona Brajabashi and a Thang-Ta exhibition was also showcased as tribute to the brave sons of Manipur who laid down their lives for the sake of Manipur in the Battle of Khongjom in 1891 .

A march taken out to mark inaugural of 3-day long 2nd Thang-Ta festival

MP Dr T Meinya, who graced the inaugural function of the festival as Chief Guest, recalled how the forefathers of Manipur safeguarded the territorial integrity of Manipur with the help of Thang-Ta and Arambai.

He observed that politeness, humbleness, strength, courage and good moral behaviour are some benefits which one can gain from the knowledge of Thang-Ta.

Since, the society parted its ways from such martial arts; it has been deteriorating in various spheres with hatred filling the minds of almost every people.

Besides modern education and learning many subjects, it is also necessary for the people of the state to learn such knowledge which would help them in shaping their career and future.

Realising the importance and benefit of Thang-Ta, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has granted its consent to issue certificates to every successful students of Thang-Ta under the guidance of scholar Gourakishwar and Shyamkishore, he added.

In his speech, Director of College Development Council, Professor RK Ranjan stressed on the need to study the outlook of the people of the state towards indigenous Martial Arts form like Thang-Ta, which he described, as the protector of Manipur.

It is very unfortunate that the people have started ignoring such rich art forms, he lamented.

Secretary of Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BSEM), L Rajmohan said that the Board inserted chapters on Thang-Ta in MIL, English and Hindi subjects from class 1 to 10.However, these chapters which are more like mere introduction to the art form fail to draw the attention of the students as there is no possibility of imparting practical knowledge.

In order to resolve this matter, the BOARD has now inserted a practical chapter on Thang-Ta in the Physical and Education in class 6 and the syllabus committee is discussing to insert other practical chapters upto class 10 in upcoming sessions.

Unfortunately, some teachers who teach the subject do not show much enthusiasm since the mark obtained by the students are not counted in the marking system of examinations.

So, to encourage teaching of Thang-Ta more effectively, Board has started discussion on counting the marks of Thang-Ta in overall marking of the examinations, Rajmohan disclosed.

President KIMACS, Saikhom Nodiya Mangang presided over the function which was also attended by Secretary of Manipur State Kala Akademi Bideshwar Sharma as Guest of Honour.