Mere words wouldn't help save art forms: Sanajaoba
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 26 2024:
Several indigenous art forms of the state, including Khullang Ishei, Khunung Ishei, Khongjom Parva, and Moirang Sai, are fading into obscurity, and merely expressing words of support without providing platforms or societal recognition would lead to eventual demise of these art forms, said Rajya Sabha MP and titular king of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba.
The statement was made during the 3rd state-level Khunung Ishei Changdamnaba (competition) organised by JK Arts and Crafts Music Centre, Khurai Thongam Leikai at Sangeet Kala Sangam hall, Khurai Lamlong on Sunday.
The inauguration of the competition was held in the presence of JK Arts & Crafts Centre president Wareppam Nabachandra, political activist L Jayananda, Khurai Laishram Leikai GP Pradhan Ngangom John, All India Radio Imphal programme executive officer M Ishakanta, and Manipur Railway Mon Godown Majdur Sangha vice-president Kh Lokendrajit among others.
In his address as the chief guest, Sanajaoba highlighted the need for departments concerned to take up proactive initiatives, and individuals as well as artistes to strive for enriching the indigenous art forms suitable to taste of modern society and contemporary generation without compromising their true essence.
He also cautioned that without active facilitation and support, these art forms would vanish, and artistes would be compelled to seek opportunities elsewhere, resulting in a cultural loss for Manipur.
Despite these concerns, Sanajaoba noted positive efforts to integrate indigenous art with contemporary forms.
For example, folk music is being blended with modern music, and performances by artistes like folk singer Benita Laishram in the recent national competition have brought Manipuri indigenous music to the national stage.
He also highlighted Benita's ability to perform folk songs from various states, while no other artistes could replicate Manipuri folk music, a significant cultural achievement not only for her but also for the state.
Currently, India has around 840 universities, of which only three are cultural universities and one each in Manipur, Assam and Odisha.
However, the Manipur University of Culture (MUC) faces numerous challenges and shortcomings, despite the state's rich cultural heritage.
The Central government has been urged to upgrade MUC to a central university, a proposal, if upheld, could greatly benefit the preservation and promotion of Manipur's cultural arts, he contended.
Political activist Jayananda also underscored the importance of competitions like Khunung Ishei Changdamnaba to promote folk music and described Khunung Ishei as a unique and beautiful folk music genre intrinsic to the state's identity.
Jayananda called for increased government focus on promoting indigenous art forms to ensure their survival.
The competition saw the participation of around 50 artistes, with cash awards and certificates distributed to the winners.
The event also included a two-minute silence in honour of those killed in the ongoing conflict in the state, which began on May 3 of last year.
The event highlighted both the challenges and the ongoing efforts to preserve Manipur's rich cultural heritage, stressing the urgent need for more robust support and integration of indigenous art forms into contemporary society.