2nd Manipur Tribal Cultural Exchange Programme kicks off in Ukhrul
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, March 05 2011: The 2nd Manipur Tribal Cultural Exchange Programme of the All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) with the theme "Enlivening Our Cultural Dynamics" is slated for three days kicked off at Ukhrul HQ today with Union home secretary GK Pillai as chief guest.

The three day event which will conclude on March 6 is being hosted by Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS).

Arts & Culture Dept, Govt.of Manipur, NEZCC (Dimapur), IGNOU (Manipur Centre) and MACS, TRI (Imphal) are the co-sponsors.

The opening function was graced by GK Pillai as chief guest and was presided by state Chief Secretary DS Poonia.

Ukhrul DC N Ashok Kumar, Samson Remei, president of United Naga Council Manipur and Thangkhosei Haokip, president of Kuki Inpi Manipur Thangkhosei Haokip attended the opening function of the cultural exchange programme.

Pillai, in his address as chief guest said that the world has become a small world with the advancement of technology like, mobile and internet technology which has made it possible to connect distant places in a short duration of time.

Pillai said, despite the forceful outside influences, the people of the NE is preserving their own cultures and traditions.

He said, "This true sense of preserving one's culture and identity and yet moving forward to meet the globalized world should be done with the love of mankind through culture and identity, as "love is God, and God is love" .

Coming to the development aspects in respect of Ukhrul district, the Home Secretary said that Centre will extend all possible help in taking up developmental works in the district.

Funds for construction of a stadium have been earmarked, he said.

Manipur Chief Secretary DS Poonia said that state government has been taking up various projects and schemes for the development of hill districts.

Special funds for improvement of the education system in the hill areas have also been earmarked.

These funds will be utilized in the construction of school buildings and infrastructure development of schools.

Government is taking up work for installation of a 132 KV power sub-station at Hundung to improve power supply in Ukhrul district.

Works for improvement of the district hospital has also been taken up, he said asserting that the construction of a mini secretariat at the district HQs is nearly complete.

Ukhrul DC, Ashok Kumar lauded ATSUM for organizing the exchange programme saying that it would help in promoting and preserving the old cultures and traditions of the tribal people.

The event is a platform of exchanging cultures and traditions among the tribals of the state, he added.

Dr John Pulamte, advisor ATSUM said that the student body is working to make this cultural exchange programme a common festive event of the tribal peoples of Manipur.

The opening function was marked by presentation of cultural items like dances and songs by 16 troupes.

GK Pillai released a souvenir of the programme.

The cultural exchange programme of Manipur's tribals was first held 2009 .

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