2nd Edition of Youth Window Imphal-Paris held
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 12 2023: The Second Edition of Youth Window Imphal-Paris organised by Shidaba Culture Foundation in association with Cie La Danse Qui Chante (Paris) under the patronage of Embassy of India in Paris, France, with the objective of facilitating cultural exchange between Manipur/India and France, was held at the auditorium of JNMDA here on Sunday.

The event was attended by Cultural Workers and Activists' Forum (CWAF), Manipur chairman, playwright and critic Buddha Chingtham as chief guest, Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva awardee and MUC assistant professor Dr Manju Elangbam (choreographer/dancer) as president and Cie La Danse Qui Chante (Paris) artistic director and choreographer (Manipuri dance) Angela Sofia Sterzer as guest of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Buddha Chingtham remarked that art is a form of protest against the flawed system and society, and as such, the government hesitates in granting formal recognition to the artistes.

Manipur is known for its sports and art and culture prowess but the sports discipline barely protests against the system, thus leading to more recognition given in sports.

Stating that the world cannot exist without art, he pointed out that art is the mirror of the society and at the same time, working to rectify all wrongs and bring about peace and harmony, as art has no limit.

With regard to the programme, Buddha said that the programme has been organised with the objective of bridging the cultural gap between Manipur and France and expressed confidence that it will help in paving the future pathway of emerging artistes of the state.

Angela Sofia Sterzer said that the Youth Window is a festival being held to encourage emerging artistes and recognise their works, while adding that the programme could be further expanded in the future.

During the programme, Angela Sofia Sterzer (song), 4 selected artistes of Youth Window-2023 namely Lensa Chanu (Manipuri Folk Dance), Lantham Chinglembi (Manipuri Folk Dance), Thongam Yaipha-ba (Thang-Ta) presented performances; while Greek artiste Mariza Oikonomak-ou presented contemporary dance performance virtually.

National Group Song winner i.e., MUC students also presented a group song.

Later, Padmashree Sanathoi and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee N Amusana Devi were honoured.

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