Seram Mangi Singh remembered on his 2nd death anniv
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 11 2014: During the reign of Maharaj Bhagyachandra, the cultural elements of Hinduism brought from the mainland India were assimilated with the various traditional elements of Manipur.

The king judiciously created a new cultural amalgamation by combining the elements present in Hinduism along with the existing traditions in local context.

This was stated by Prof MC Arun, Department of Anthropology, Manipur University while giving the 2nd Seram Mangi Singh Memorial Lecture at Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy here today.

Prof Arun said that 'the fact that Manipur was ruled by Nongda Lairen Pakhangba in 33AD clearly indicates that state formation was almost completed in this land as early as during the first century' .

During King Kiyamba's rule in Manipur, a statue of Lord Vishnu was gifted to the king and it may be considered as the first intrusion of Hindu religion into Manipur.

With the coming of the statue, various elements of culture associated with it also came.

Seram Mangi Singh remembered on his 2nd death anniv

Although the presence of 'Kirtan', a chorus sung during worship at this age could not be speculated, the art form was almost standardized during the time of 'Khagemba'.

During the time of Bhagyachandra, Manipuri Culture reached its zenith with the production of unique cultural forms by combining the local traditional values with the elements of Hinduism, he added.

Prof Arun was delivering the lecture on the topic: 'Nat Sankirtan and its contribution to Manipuri Culture', as part of the 2nd Death Anniversary of Late Seram Mangi Singh, the former news editor and broadcaster of All India Radio Imphal.

During the observance organized by the Seram Mangi Singh Foundation Imphal, Meitei Pung Artiste Akoijam Ibomcha Singh of Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal was presented the Seram Mangi Singh Memorial Award (Nat Sankirtan) 2014.The award that carried a cash amount of Rs 5000 along with a citation was handed over by Seram Lalita Devi, wife of the late personality.

The Awardee, Akoijam Ibomcha is a B Grade artiste of AIR Imphal.

Giving his introductory speech, former Medical Superintendent of JNIMS Dr Khomdon Lisam recalled that the late Seram Mangi Singh was truly a professional news caster who had a charming speech.

Not only in the field of journalism, but also in various fields like sports, education, students movement, art, culture and literature was Seram Mangi actively involved during his lifetime, added Dr Khomdon.

He also cited the valuable role played by the late journalist in framing the Manipur State AIDS Policy, which was the first in the whole country.

Besides eminent media persons, cultural activists, writers and activists, the observance was attended by eminent lyricist B Jayantakumar Sharma, renowned litterateur Sagolsem Indrakumar, former news reader of AIR Imphal A Kamson and cultural activist and writer Dr Ch Jamini Devi.

Political analyst L.Sharatchandra Sharma also spoke on the occasion, which commenced with floral tribute to the portrait of the departed mediaman.