Shumang Leela, a powerful medium for mass education: Governor
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, August 27 2022: Governor La Ganesan has stated that Shumang Leela has become a powerful me-dium for mass education besides entertaining the people.

He was speaking as chief guest at the inaugural function of the 50th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2021-2022, held today at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound.

The Governor said, originally Shumang Leela started as a comic genre presented before the kings and noblemen which ultimately developed into the present form of courtyard play.

He said, Shumang Leela groups of those days attempted to preserve and promote humanism, tolerance, confidence, devotion, truth and justice through their performances.

Stating that Shumang Leela has today developed both theatrically and artistically, La Ganesan said that the present day Shumang Leelas have been trying to focus on the issues of moral values, unity and integrity.

Shumang Leela, a powerful medium for mass education: Governor

It has also been trying to strengthen the bond of brotherhood and friendship among various communities in the State.

Hence, it acts as a catalyst in bringing peace and harmony in society, the Governor said.

He said, "It is the responsibility of all of us irrespective of caste, creed, religion and language to preserve and promote the unity and integrity of the State" .

The Governor appealed to all sections of the people of Manipur to contribute their best in their respective capacities with sincerity, discipline and confidence toward ensuring peace in Manipur so that the State can move toward progress and prosperity.

He also thanked Manipur State Kala Akademi (MSKA) for their relentless efforts in organizing festivals, exhibitions, seminars, workshops and instituting awards and scholarships for art and culture personalities over the years.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh while speaking at the function said, Shumang Leela Festival is an important event in the field of art & culture.

He said, Shumang Leela is an important art form which is indispensable to the society.

It has been taking a great role in educating people in many aspects of life and also in bringing reforms in the society.

Stating that Shumang Leela is an effective medium for mass awareness and education, Chief Minister said, even during Covid-19 pandemic, the medium took a great role in educating people about the disease and in creating awareness of how it can be minimized.

He further said that participation of women in this art form deserves appreciation and it will definitely help in bringing many changes in the society.

Biren continued that the Government is committed to extend support to the artistes in the State.

He said, CM's Pension Scheme for Artistes has been implemented and separate budgetary allocation has been made for organizing Shumang Leela Festival.

He said all artistes will be covered under AYUSHMAN BHARAT and CMHT, and health cards will be issued.

Though the State has limited resources, steps to extend help to the artistes will be taken up in future too.

Earlier, the Chief Minister informed that Linthoi Chanambam claimed a historic gold medal at the World Cadet Judo Championship in Bosnia's capital Sarajevo, becoming the first from India to win a medal in the tournament across any age-group.

He also informed that the State Government will honour Linthoi Chanambam for her achievement.

The Governor distributed medals to the winners of the 49th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival, 2020-21 .

Altogether 25 Shumang Leela groups-11 Male and 14 Female, are participating in the festival which is being organized by MSKA as a part of its Golden Jubilee Celebration.

M Joy, Commissioner (Art & Culture), L.Kishorjit Singh, Director, Art & Culture, artistes and students attended the inaugural function of the festival.