'HopeFest' dedicated to displaced people begins today
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 12 2023:
'HopeFest', a festival meant to spread hope and opportunity to the displaced people staying in various relief camps across the state is set to begin from Friday.
To be organised as part of a pilot project by Swati Thounaojam, Jennifer Wangkhem, Lenin Kshetrimayum and Bidyananda Loukrakpam under the banner of a new organisation called, 'Imphal Buzz', the festival will be held daily from 2 pm to 8 pm on October 13 and 14 to provide a platform to the displaced people staying in different relief camps to interact with various entrepreneurs, folk singers and personalities related to films and media, in addition to showcasing/selling the products made by them.
The festival will be kicked off from Sappho Beauty & Wellness at Sangaiprou Mamang Leikai, Tiddim Road opposite Lion's Club.
In this regard, a representative of Imphal Buzz said that thousands of people have been displaced and left homeless due to the conflict in the state which has been going on for over five months since May 3 .
The displaced youth can participate in the festival and interact with different stakeholders, entrepreneurs and personalities, and assimilate their ideas, resources and network from the latter to come up or upgrade their source of livelihood.
If this pilot project is successful, then similar festivals will be held either every week or fortnight, the representative informed.
The representative said that main objective of the festival is to provide the youth between 18 to 35 years of age a source of livelihood.
During the two-day event, psychologist T Sunitibala Devi will deliver therapeutic dialogues to the displaced youth and JCRE Global head Heisnam Lakeshwar about career counselling and skill development.
There will also be interaction programme with Samadon film actors, in addition to guidance by folk singer Chamba Thiyam, awareness on dengue, and talks with film artistes like Kaiku and Soma Laishram.
The inmates of the relief camps will also be given the opportunity to showcase their products such as Morah (traditional stool), Ngarubak (dried fish container), dhoop (incense stick), laidhibi (dolls), candle, jharap (ladle), dish wash, floor wash, flower pots and other items including eatables.
Thus, the representative urged the people to attend the festival and help encourage the inmates living in various relief camps.