Imphal, January 22: Along with participation by representatives of various influential student organisations of the State, Gaan-Ngai festival was celebrated under the theme of 'Cultural diversity and togetherness' at Konthoujam Mamang Kabui Village today.

Organised under the aegis of Zeliangrong Students' Union, Manipur (Imphal Area), the event was attended by vice president of Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) Joseph Hmar; president of Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) Ch Rupachandra; joint president of Hmar Students' Association (HSA) Samuel; president of All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) Khamba Laishram; assembly secretary of All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) Ngarangchui; president in-charge of Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) PC Newton; general secretary of All Zeliangrong Students' Union (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) Joshua and Khunbu of Konthoujam Mamang Kabui village K Gangmumei as presidium members.

After the inauguration of the celebration with shouting of 'Hoi' in unison and igniting of sacred fire amidst drum beatings 'Tingthin' and 'Jamdan', the student leaders also participated in the 'Pazeimei' dance of the village boys and girls.

Later addressing the gathering, Joseph Hmar said "our culture is a living culture which cannot be taught in class room or kept confined within the four walls of the museum.

"We should be proud of this living culture and make collective effort towards promotion of the same.

Because, our true identity lies in our culture" he added.

Ch Rupachandra said that the strength and weakness of a community is closely related to its culture.

"When we say culture it does not mean just celebration of a cultural festival which comes after every year, because culture is the sum of all the characteristics of a community including the lifestyle, dress, food habit and philosophy of the people," he explained.

"So preservation of culture also means preservation of the cultural values of its people," he added.

Khamba Laishram observed that the cultural identity of the smaller communities are in danger today because of outside influences.

He also took serious note of the current trend of belittling the significance of celebrating of a cultural festival some entertainment extravaganza.

This should be avoided, he said.

Ngaranchui pointed out that participation of all the student leaders in celebration of the cultural festival of any communities is a welcome sign.

This would help in promotion of unity and integrity among the people of the State, he said.

PC Newton noted that instilling the cultural values to the young people is a must.

Otherwise, those students who go outside the State for higher studies or for other purposes would get alienated from their own cultural roots.

Joshua said understanding each other's culture and sharing would help in strengthening the integrity of Manipur which is being inhabited by various ethnic groups of people.

Only then there can be peace and development in the State, he maintained.

Presentation of cultural dances by the young men and women of the village are the other attraction of the Gaan-Ngai celebration during which all the people also share a sumptuous feast.

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