Awareness on POCSO Act, workshop on Folk Songs held
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kakching, May 11 2025: As part of the 'Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat', a nation-wide child marriage free campaign, an awareness programme on 'The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006 & The Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012' was organised by Chandel district administration and District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Chandel at St Paul's Higher Secondary School, Chandel on Saturday.

During the programme, Chandel district child protection officer (DCPO) Babuna Dangmei delivered the keynote address, DCPU Chandel protection officer Oinam Suraj Singh deliberated on 'POCSO Act, 2012' and legal cum probation officer Khaidem Premjit Singh on 'Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006' as resource persons along with interacting with the students.

On the other-hand, a 7-day workshop cum documentation on Folk Songs and Musical Instruments of Manipur jointly organised by Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Guwahati Regional Centre and Mirror of Whistles Stop (MOWS), Kakching, at Kakching Dramatic Union, concluded on Sunday.

The valedictory function of the workshop held at the Library and Information Centre at Kakching Phoushupat Leikai was attended by Manipur University of Culture vice chancellor Paonam Gunindro, Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, Imphal visiting Guru Kshetrimayum Godadhar and Youth Affairs and Sports secretary Naorem Praveen Singh as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

IGNCA, Guwahati regional director Dr Sapam Ranabir was the organiser while Macha Chanu, Kakching president Dr Nongmaithem Pramodini Devi, Manipur University History department professor H Sudhirkumar Singh, Manipur University of Culture Umang Lai Haraoba Department guest faculty Mutum Maniton, Thoubal College assistant professor Dr M Damu dor Singh and social worker Dr Kshetrimayum Rajiv Singh were also present as special guests.

Speaking on the occasion, professor Gunindro remarked that humanity has long coexisted with nature and the experiences people share with the natural world since ancient times have been expressed through what is today known as 'Khunung Eshei'.

"This folk song is an inseparable component of our society.

It reflects the integral aspects of daily life in rural Manipur, portraying its rich cultural and traditional heritage.

It is, therefore, imperative for the present generation to engage in discussions about 'Khunung Eshei' and strive to understand its significance," he elaborated.

The vice chancellor also explained that tradition of 'Khunung Eshei' can be broadly categorised into three types namely ritual and religious folk songs, romantic folk songs and other folk songs that have emerged over time.

Various folk songs and musical instrument performances were also showcased during the function.

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