CM exhorts to preserve arts for posterity
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, May 25 2015 : Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi on Monday inaugurated a three-day 'Malem Paphal Art Exhibition Manipur' at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound in Imphal.

The event is organised by Singh Portrait Gallery and Singh Publicity.

Attending the inaugural event as the chief guest, Ibobi appreciated the efforts of the organisers for re-introducing the importance of Malem Paphal, which tells about the ancestral customs and origins of each community to the present generation.

He added that each community in the state has been existing peacefully since time immemorial, knowing very well their roots and origins.

O Ibobi also said that apart from the 'famed' Arts and Culture and Sports that have been significant spheres in popularising Manipur to the world, this art work of Malem Paphal can also become an ambassador of the state to the outside world.

He added that re-sketching of such Paphal artworks is indeed priceless as these will become real treasures of Manipur in the future.

The CM appreciated the unrelenting contribution of the artists and appealed to all to co-operate with them.

Inauguration of Malem paphal Art Exhibition at Iboyaima Sumang leela Sanglen :: Pix - DIPR

Commenting on the lukewarm interests of the public in artworks in the state, O Ibobi said that the Manipuri people, by nature, do not indulge much in buying art works and valuing them, as it has been done in other states of India.

However, he assured that this scene may change as his government will take up steps to set up an art gallery that will enable successful preservation and promotion of the various art works of both valley and hill areas.

He also suggested to preserve the arts for posterity.

Former Arts and Culture minister Dr M Nara was the president of the function.

He reminded that during his ministership, art patrons from West Bengal suggested to him to organise an art exhibition on Paphal there.

But he had little knowledge of Paphal at that time.

However he now knows the importance of Malem Paphal and will try to arrange an Art Exhibition on Paphal very soon at West Bengal, added Dr M Nara.

Taking good opportunity of the CM's presence in the function, Dr M Nara also requested the CM to set up an Art Gallery and also to frame an Art Policy in the interest of all the artists and art lovers of the state.

The art works showcased in the exhibition are creations of Haobam Sanaton.

He showcased a total of 200 Malem Paphal works and other 300 art works depicting natural sceneries.

It took almost three years for Haobam Sanaton to complete the paintings.

Th Tombi, president of Manipur Sahitya Parishad applauded this exemplary devotion to works of the artist and said that his achievement could be listed in the Guiness Book of World Records.