Only lip-service on nurturing culture: Ratan Thiyam
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 08 2022: Chorus Repertory Theatre chairman Dr Ratan Thiyam has stated that while many people are shouting for preserving the culture of the state, there is barely anyone present who would take up the task in reality.

He made the statement while speaking as the chief guest of the 38th Foundation Day celebration cum award distribution function of Manipuri Literary Society, Imphal held at the auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA), here, on Thursday.

Presided over by Society president Nongmaithem Kirankumar, the function was also attended by Manipur University ex-VC Hidangmayum Nandakumar Sharma (HNK) as guest of honour.

Ratan continued that parents/guardians must encourage their children to read other books apart from school text books, not only to increase their cultural and other knowledge, but also help cultivate the spirit of unity and integrity.

Although there are many cultural enthusiasts, most of them stay prefer being separated from each other either in works or mindset.

As such, the question at this juncture is who will work together to preserve our culture as it is, he said.

"Once upon a time, there used to be a common platform to hold discussion.

Nowadays, there is no such platform due to differences in thinking and the narrowing of educational scope, wherein the mark obtained is all that matters.

Many authors have emerged over the years in the state, each producing their respective works.

However, the level/standard of the works remains undetermined, as no discussion is held," he stated.

Ratan then said: "As we do not read books, we do not know the writing styles of famous authors and are also unaware of the literature of other states or countries.

Manipuri has its own beauty and is uniquely different from other languages but we are still unable to bring up its literature to the highest level.

"Thus, to promote and develop our literature, we need to discuss other literatures and grasp their ethos.

The art and culture of Manipur is praised the world over.

From politicians to the people in cultural field, all are proud and have voiced for preserving the cultural assets.

However, no concrete action is ever taken up and it is even rare to see sincere cultural enthusiasts.

An example of this could be seen in the homes of the wealthy class or government departments, wherein no painting of any renowned artiste of the state is ever put up," he remarked.

The chairman continued that the present government is the same as the previous ones with regard to its disinterest towards preserving and developing the culture of the state.

In addition, there is no cultural patronage in the state, he observed.

During the function, 9 authors who made huge contributions to Manipuri literature were honoured with awards.

The authors are Dr Mangangcha Thoudam Achou, Seram Thoiba, Randhir Sarungba, Naorem Lokeshwar, Dr Tensubam Kunjeshwor, Dr Lairenlakpam Sarat, Akoijam Jiten, Nongmaithem Tombi and Kangjam Ibohal.

The donors for the awards were also honoured with simple gifts.

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