Convention participants flagged off
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 08 2016: Participants of SPIC MACAY Manipur Chapter for the 4th International Convention of SPIC MACAY was flagged off from Imphal today by the Secretary to the Governor Th Chittaranjan and Director of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA), L Upendro Sharma.

Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY) is a non-political National voluntary movement that organises programmes of classical music and dance, folk arts, crafts, yoga, classic cinema screenings, heritage walks, etc.

at schools and colleges throughout the world to make students more aware of India's and the world heritage.

This initiative makes education more holistic and meaningful as it highlights all that is abstract, subtle, inspiring and mystical in the world that teaches one to look within oneself.

Participants of SPIC MACAY Manipur Chapter for the 4th International Convention of SPIC MACAY

The 4th International Convention is set to begin from May 9, at IIT Guwahati, Assam and will conclude on May 15.It is aimed to give a unique experience where participants will witness famous artistes performing classical and folk music and dance and theatre.

President of SPIC MACAY, Imphal Chapter Dr W Ibomcha said the 74 participants including students and teachers from various schools along with 17 performing arts artistes will represent the State in the 4th International Convention where more than 2000 participants from 365 chapters of India and 56 chapters from abroad are expected to take part.

Several intensive camps and workshops will be held where the participants will get the opportunity to learn art forms from inspiring gurus.

Crafts village is one special feature of the convention where master craftsmen will teach the participants various crafts, he added.

As for SPIC MACAY Manipur chapter the convention is sponsored by SIPC MACAY Imphal Chapters, he added.

The convention is the culmination of the year long programs conducted all over the country.

It is an annual congregation of people from across the world who will spend one week in a unique ashram-like atmosphere.

During this period participants will sever all ties with the outside world and would adhere to the routine prescribed for them by the organisers.

The week-long experience is designed to teach one the difficult practice of connecting with the self, he highlighted.

At SPIC MACAY we believe that watching and listening to great masters in their respective traditions can elevate people to much higher levels than the mundane existence of beings.

One of the aims of this convention would also be to introduce the North-Eastern heritage to others with concerts showcasing various art forms from this part of India, Dr W Ibomcha added.