M Joy calls for protecting heritage sites
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 18 2023: A group/community will have its own history.

It is important to be aware of this history and work towards preservation of heritage sites from external influences, Art and Culture commissioner M Joy has stated.

The State Archaeology, which is the Department of Art and Culture, observed the World Heritage Day on the theme 'Heritage Changes' at Kangla Hall, here, on Tuesday.

Speaking as chief guest of the event, M Joy pointed out that it is the responsibility of everyone to protect and preserve heritage sites from external influences, considering they are the sources of history or origin of a community/group.

Often times, human activities affect heritage sites the most.

Although there is no issue in preserving these sites, any new additions to the heritage sites are forbidden, he remarked.

The commissioner then stressed the need for spreading awareness on the importance of heritage among young students, while urging the older generation to teach the younger generation of their respective art, culture, tradition and customs for better preservation of their community's cultural traditions.

Stating that the recent incidents of religious sentiments being violated are due to lack of knowledge of one's one culture, Joy said that a Meetei individual can practise any religion of his or her choice but the fact of being part of the Meetei will never change.

He then said that different communities inhabiting the state are like different flowers blooming beautifully in one single garden.

Furthermore, the Constitution of the country does not allow anyone to disrespect another community or religion.

Thus, one must act while understanding this fact thoroughly, he remarked.

Presided over by Art and Culture director L Kishworjit, the observance was also attended by Manipur University, History Department former head Prof N Joykumar as guest of honour.

During the morning session, a painting competition participated by around 170 students from government schools and a photo exhibition was held.

In the afternoon session, Pettigrew Junior High School teacher Kakchingtabam Gunachandra Sharma spoke on the topic of 'Anglo-Manipuri War 1891', which was followed by a quiz competition and distribution of prizes to the winners of the aforementioned competitions.

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