MUC, IGNCA sign pact to promote research
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 08 2025:
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Regional Centre, Guwahati, and the Manipur University of Culture (MUC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote research, documentation and dissemination of traditional knowledge systems, indigenous cultural practices and performing arts of the region.
The MoU was signed at the MUC registrar's office by registrar in-charge Laishram Radhakanta Singh, and Dr Sapam Ranabir Singh, regional director of IGNCA Regional Centre, Guwahati, in the presence of MUC vice-chancellor Prof Paonam Gunindro Singh, K Dinamani Singh, director of Art & Culture, and other dignitaries.
Marking the occasion, a panel discussion explored "Value Crisis in Umanglai Haraoba: Revisiting Rituals, Symbolism and Structural Traditions in Contemporary Contexts" .
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The session brought together diverse voices � from academics and practitioners to cultural activists - Who examined how this indigenous festival, central to Meetei cosmology, can adapt without losing its essence.
Contributions came from K Ranjit Adhikarimayum, former principal of the Government Dance College; Dr Nganbi Chanu, head of the Department of Umanglai Haraoba; Mutum Manitoh, social and cultural activist; and Dr Thounaojam Ruhichand Singh, assistant professor in the same department.
The discussion was enriched by traditional perspectives as well as contemporary reflections.
Special guests, Soibam Kulabid-hu Singh and Ch Brojen Meetei, were honoured for their dedication to cultural education.
In their addresses, Dr Ranabir Singh underscored the value of institutional collaboration to document indigenous practices, Dinamani Singh called for a balance between heritage and modernity, and Prof Gunindro Singh highlighted academia's duty in keeping festivals as living knowledge systems.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, signalling the start of what both institutions hope will be a long term partnership for cultural preservation and scholarly exchange.





