'Rural tourism among Meities in Myanmar needs to be encouraged', says RK Shivachandra
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 09 2014: "In order to improve the economic conditions of the Meitei population residing in Myanmar, we need to encourage rural tourism among them" .

This was stated by president of Indo-Myanmar Fraternity Alliance RK Shivachandra during the get together function of the cultural troupe of Rasesori Pala Marup which went to Myanmar recently to showcase the rich heritage of Manipur in Meitei populated areas of the neighbouring country.

An 18-member team of women chorus group called Rasesori Pala under the guidance of RK Shivachandra had showcased the Rasesori Pala, the women Sankirtana performance at various Meitei inhabited places in Mandalay and Yangon for ten days in the first week of October last.

Expressing concern over the pathetic economic condition of Meiteis in Maynmar, Shivachandra asserted that 'as hotel accommodation in Myanmar is very costly, Meiteis staying in Myanmar may find a good opportunity for accommodation of tourists from Manipur on payment of reasonable charges.

This will in turn boost their income, while at the same time facilitating the Manipuris visiting Myanmar, he added.

Meitei inhabited places in Mandalay, Myanmar

Saying that encouragement of rural tourism among them may improve their economy, Shivachandra drew the attention of the government towards building intimacy with the Meiteis in Myanmar.

He also appealed to the organisations, associations and groups of any nature to visit the Meiteis in Myanmar for establishing cordial relations with them.

The Indo Myanmar Fraternity Alliance is ready to extend support in such visits, he added.

Speaking at the programme held at the residence of Elangbam Subashini Devi of Elangbam Leikai Imphal, Shivachandra also informed the gathering that Consulate General of Myanmar is visiting Manipur for the inaugural function of ensuing Sangai Festival.

Narrating the experiences during the visit, Dr.Chongtham Jamini Devi who is also the president of All Manipur Rasesori Pala Marup recalled that a number of Meiteis had migrated to neighbouring Burma (also called Awa) at various historical episodes marked by wars and tribulations.

They had settled down there for the last many years, said Dr.Jamini while lamenting that 'nowadays, majority of Meiteis in Myanmar cannot speak Meiteilon, as they have assimilated to the language and lifestyles of the native people.

Addressing the gathering during the get-together function, cultural activist Dr Jamini stressed the need to establish schools in Myanmar for teaching the Manipuri language.

An octogenarian Kalachand Sharma was teaching Manipuris to the Meiteis in his own capacity, but he cannot continue the same at his age, Jamini told the gathering. Besides performing Rasesori Pala Sankirtana at the Meitei localities, the troupe also visited various Pagodas, the University of Yangon, the residence of Aung San Suu Kyi, a library run by Meitei youths in Minde Ekin, the handloom house etc.