Imphal, February 01 2009: THE FIRST state level sand arts (making statue with sand) competition organized by the Khongman Students' Club in association with Sharma Arts and Crafts (SAC) was held at Khongman zone-III today.

The competition was participated by students studying from Standard-VI to X in different schools.

A discussion session on the arts and crafts was also held before prizes to the position holders of the competition were distribution.

The function was attended by minister of education, transports and sericulture, L Jayentakumar as chief guest and MLA Bijoy Koijam as guest of honour.

Arts and culture commissioner P Bhorat, IAS presided the function.

Jayentakumar speaking as chief guest said that the price of a painting is so much costly, it is not because of painter's labour or time but by the quality of the paint.

Artists have the quality of drawing out what they feel in their heart and their artistic expression could feel to everybody.

The quality is not possessed to every one.

That was why people respect them, he observed while praising the efforts of the artists.

The minister also said that to able to culture their talents, the artists need encouragement with monetary help.

He also suggested that while holding a competition in this field, artists should be given enough time by the organizers so as to able them to fully expressed their mind in their works and only then qualified artists could be selected out.

Bijoy Koijam, in his speech as chief guest said the child artists' performance in the competition has indicated that sand arts which is coming from out the country is suited to the artists of the state too.

If they are encourage in this field, like Manipur in the forefront in sports and culture, in this field too, the state can earn a good name.

He also observed that in the state, artists are seems to be neglected by the people.

People who know and recognize their works are very rare.

Commissioner, P Bhorot who presided the function observed that in the state painting competitions are organizing in plenty and holding of sand arts competition will also be a great use.

Children are seen taking keen interest.

This will be useful in the future.

In the competition, Laishram Bikash son Imo of Khongman zone-II studying in standard-IIX at Universal Student Academy secured the first position in the boys section while Samom Reshmi daughter of Milan of Yaiskhul Janmastan studying in Standard-VII of Maria Montessori School won the first position in the girls category.

The first position holders were given cash amount of Rs 15,000 each with citations and mementos.

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