Govindas treasures role of culture, sports teachers
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 12 2022: Works minister Govindas Konthoujam has remarked that culture and sports are the only disciplines left that still respect and revere the teachers by their students.

He was speaking as chief guest of the 47th annual conference cum premiere show of Progressive Artiste Laboratory (PAL) new production, 'Bhavamochani', held at its auditorium, Lamboi Khongnangkhong here on Sunday.

The event was presided over by Manipur University former VC Dr Hijam Tombi Singh, while Uripok AC MLA Khwairakpam Raghumani attended as guest of honour.

Govindas stressed the important role of teachers and artistes in preserving and promoting the rich culture of the state since time immemorial.

As a result of their efforts, Manipur is now famous all over the world for Manipuri Sankritan' and Raas Leela', with the former being included in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list and the latter being recognised as one of the classical dances of India.

Observing the loss of decorum amidst the advancement in science and technology, the minister said that we are slowly losing our beautiful culture and traditions left by our forefathers, which is not a good sign for the society and the state as a whole.

Govindas then commented on the non-presentation of state awards to artistes, adding that the Covid-19 pandemic delayed many of the activities related to welfare and recognition of artistes.

He then assured of talking with the Chief Minister about the state awards being delayed for two years, along with other programmes related to art and culture.

In his speech.

PAL director N Tiken observed that the cultural wealth which was developed during autocracy, seems to be declining after the arrival of democracy.

Guru-Shishya Parampara (Teacher-Disciple tradition) has slumped under democracy, leaving many artistes with barely any means of survival, while the government continues to act blind to their plight, he remarked.

As part of the programme, Guru Tarun-kumar Memorial Gold Medal Award-2022 was presented to dancer Pukhrambam Pritini and Sorokhaibam Hemamanjuri Devi Memorial Cash Award to instrument maker Yulhung Shungrei Chothe, which was followed by presentation of certificates to theatre critic Dr Lamabam Gojendro and other artistes who have received national and international awards.

Later, artistes of PAL presented its new production, Bhavamochani' .

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