Thangkhomang for preservation of culture
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 10 2011:
The President of Trinamool Congress, Churachandpur district unit and Member of Khousabung ADC Thangkhomang Haokip called upon the tribal people to preserve their indigenous culture and tradition even if they have embraced Christianity.
Inaugurating a 10-day long workshop being organized by Kom Cultural Dance and Research Centre at Khoirentak Community Hall today as Chief Guest, Thangkhomang observed that Christian religion and western lifestyle could never represent the cultural identity of the tribals.
The cultural identity of the tribals is to be represented by their indigenous lifestyle, dresses, festivals and social mores.
But it is unfortunate that in addition to embracing Christian religion, youngsters have taken to western dresses and discarded their own traditional dresses, Thongkhomang lamented.
He also called upon the people to work together towards promotion of love and unity for a developed Manipur.
Speaking as Guest of Honour of the function, social worker S Samuelkhup Kom pointed out that the integrity of Manipur should never be compromised in the effort of promoting one's own culture and tradition.
Instead of considering ourselves as separate groups like Meetei, Naga, Kuki, Kom, etc, we have to consider ourselves as people of Manipur and help each other, he exhorted.
In his presidential address, secretary of Kom Literature Society Mangpu Karong said that after years of neglect, Kom dialect has got its due recognition so much so that now even students can pursue higher education in Kom dialect and culture at the level of Manipur University.
So, the younger generation should ensure that Kom dialect and culture do not suffer any setback in future.
In the workshop which would continue till October 19, various cultural artifacts related to Kom community are on display for public viewing.