Shumang Leela Ningtham Kumhei concludes
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 04 2023:
The 19th Shumang Leela Ningtham Kumhei organised by Manipur State Shumang Leela Council concluded on Wednesday at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound with the presentation of Council's different awards.
The closing ceremony of the Ningtham Kumhei which began on December 24, 2022 was attended by CAF & PD minister L Susindro Meitei as chief guest, Manipur State Cooperative Union chairman L Tolpishak as president and deputy director (art & culture) G Dharmadas as guest of honour.
Speaking at the event, minister L Susindro acknowledged that Shumang Leela has been taking a significant role in steering the society to the right path and this unique art form has been creating awareness among the people on various issues from time to time.
He said that there is no dearth of audience for Shumang Leela but efforts need to be made to bring out good script and socially informative plays.
He also stated that drug abuse and smuggling problem has seriously affected Manipuri society but the present government under the leadership of N Biren Singh has been working hard to root out drugs and end poppy plantation.
Under the instruction of the chief minister, poppy plantations in the hills are being destroyed and a Shumang Leela based on this could be made and showcase the same as street play in every nook and corner of the state to create awareness to people, he suggested.
Expressing resentment that it has become common in the state to impose ban on entertainment programmes when the state faces any serious issue, Susindro observed that it would be wrong to consider Shumang Leela as merely a form of entertainment.
This art form not only entertains audience but also educates people and hence organisations should discuss about keeping away Shumang Leela from entertainment ban, he said while adding that the art and culture of the state would be seriously affected when there are no artistes.
Later, the Council conferred Pidonu award to Hiyang Lukhoi, Ima Shanti Ningshing award to Padmashree Wareppa Naba, Gulamchat Ideal award to L Bidyananda, Popular award to Sagolshem Sana Meitei (Nupisabi), Moirang Ningthou award to K Devan Sharma, Gojendro award to Jeetenkumar Naorem, Bori award to Lai Ibotombi, Modhumangol Sharma award to O Prafullochandra, Nongthombam Birendrakumar award to Ph Gunachandra Sharma, B Jugolchandra Sharma award to L Gokul Singh and Babuyaima award to singer Hawaibam Budhi.