Imphal, April 05 2009: G Gourakishore, who had been awarded Padmashree recognizing his contribution in the field of Thang-ta art form, was felicitated today at two places, one at at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound and ther other at Keirou Lairembi Leikai in Imphal east.

Speaking at the felicitation functions, the awardee, Gourakishore said that he has been awarded the prestigious award recognizing the Thang-ta art form of Manipur by the government of India.

The function at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen was organized by Khenchonglang, Wangkhei and titular king, Sanajaoba graced the function as chief guest.

Speaking at the function he said that it is a matter of proud for the people of the state to honour Gourakishore with the award and recognizing the indigenous art form of the state.

"But, I think, it late to honour such a man.

He is worthy of giving the award many year back," he observed.

People of the state are prefer their own culture and tradition but they do not try to preserved, Sanajoaba said expressing concern over the present conditions of the Thang-ta and Sagolkangchei (polo) which are on the verse of extinction.

People of the state proud of being originating place of the polo game but none said a ward to save it from vanishing from the soil of Manipur.

Today, the game can be said totally vanished from its original place, he added.

He also blamed the state government for taking interest in the preservation of the Thang-ta citing that government is not taking up steps to open an institute which people are dreaming from a long time.

Gourakishore was also felicitated at a function organized by the Eleven Planers Welfare Association, Keirou at nongpok Ningthou Pamheiba Shanglen, Keirou Lairembi Leikai.

The function was graced by pradhan of the Keirou Gram Panchayat Asem Hemanta as chief guest, Gourakishore, the awardee as guest of honour and up-pradhan Takhelllambam Sushila as president of the function.

Member of ward no.1 W Radhapiyari and social worker Salam Lala also took part at the function.

Speaking on the occasion, the awardee said that he feel happy when government of India recognized his work in the field of Thang-ta.

The recognition has felt him that the art form will remain forever.

He also talked on the relation between the art form and human activities.

To know the art is also a difficult one but at the same, it is a must to know it, he added.

He also appealed the people and government authority as well to work for preserving the art form so that it could not vanished from the soil of the state.

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