REACH M reaches out to Chandel to preserve culture, traditions
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 21 2010: With the stated objective of promotion and preservation of the dying cultural dances and songs of tribal communities, a Youth Cultural Exchange Festival, 2010 was held at the ground of St Joseph Higher Secondary School, Khuraopok village in Chandel district yesterday.

The event was organised by Rural Education and Action for Change, Manipur (REACH-M) under the sponsorship of AA-I Project 'RRTCC' .

REACH-M has been working for promotion of the cultural art forms of the tribes settled in different parts of Chandel district for the last 4/5 years.

A cultural troupe poses before the lens

Cultural troupes of various tribes like Maring, Thadou-Kuki, Tarao, Chothe, Lamkang, Aimol, etc participated in the festival.

The cultural troupes presented dances and songs of their respective tribes.

Speaking as chief guest of the festival, MLA of Chandel Assembly Constituency Thangkholun Haokip observed there can be peace in Manipur when the cultural identity of all the communities living in Manipur can be ensured and protected.

Pointing out that Manipur is a land rich in culture, the MLA noted that in India, Manipur has the highest number of communities and again in Manipur, the highest number of communities are settled in Chandel district.

So, organising such a festival in a place like Chandel district is very significant and relevant.

Every community have been demanding development of their respective communities.

Yet there are some elements who are opposed to such demands for development, the MLA said, adding that the Government has been trying its best to bring about development along with signing of Suspension of Operations with underground organisations.

The MLA pointed out that there are over 30 NGOs working in Manipur.

But the number of NGOs which are actually working for the welfare of the people and utilising the fund provided from either the State Government or the Centre properly is very few.

REACH-M is among these few NGOs.

Chief functionary of UTDP Romio Yuhlung presided over the festival which was also attended by REACH-M director M Moses and chairman Thongpu as guests of honour.