In communion with the variegated 'Spring'

Thoudam Imomacha Singh *

The Prologue:

The Public Broadcast Service Provider, (All India Radio Imphal), AIR Imphal has earned another feather to decorate its own cap after its presentation of a "Symphony" "Yening Gee Machu Lak Ta" (in communion with variegated "Spring"), on Saturday, the 28th March, 2015, at the MFDC, (now Manipur State Film Development Society) auditorium at 3.00 p.m., amid sonorous applause from the amused audience.

The dream of an AIR Station in Manipur was realized on August 15, 1963 and in the last five decades of its existence AIR Imphal has had the distinction of presenting varied programmes of entertainment which are indispensable for the promotion of national integration mass communication and education among millions in India. For such a fabulous achievement the credit must spontaneously go to the current team of broadcast planners in AIR Imphal.

The curtain-raiser of the musical extravaganza set off with a piece of tribal music by a tiny group of artistes, who are now acutely vulnerable to the danger of ethnic extinction. Gosem was the main musical instrument relied on for the presentation. The programme was indeed mind-blowing pertaining to the background of ethnic numerical scare.

This ethnic group in question was non other than the Purum Tribe of Manipur. AIR Imphal's demographic venture through music and creative art is truly commendable. Other musical presentations from different tribal groups have also received arousing applause. The live concert reflects the professional virtue of AIR Imphal in taking a meticulous judgement-on the promotion of tribal art and folk music of ancient times.

Khongjomparva sung and the performed by Smt. Sundari Devi was a genre of Manipuri folk music. Her performance too was praiseworthy. Above all, Manipur is another Fountainhead of folklore and cultural ethos, which are yet to be explored in full advantage with a view to promotion of National Folklore and Folk Literature.

Memorable melodies of yester-year rendered by veteran artistes like Shri Phurailatpam Iboyaima Sharma, Shri Sagolshem Biswaroop, Thounaojam Ibochou, Dr. Hamom Naba, Smt. Chongtham Sanatombi, Smt. Nandeibam Shusila, Smt. Asem Bimala, Smt. Yensembam Bilashini and the enthralling Smt. Laishram Mema were solemn and nostalgic. Their indelible style of rendering the songs was a reminder of the favourite adage "Old is Gold".

The artistes of AIR Imphal and some others from outside who rendered accompaniment on the tabla, violin, key-board, flute, guitar and other percussion instruments were also harmonious with the vocalists throughout the show.

The lyrics of Shri B. Jayentakumar Sharma, Shri Khumanthem Prakash Singh, (Late) Shri Sarat Arambam, Shri Shanglakpam Achou Sharma and Dr. Jodhachandra Sanasam were haunting and exuberant.

There were two child prodigies who had also given the finest performance in the show of music, Miss Mangka and Master Rahul Sharma. Miss Mangka presented her folk music (Pena) first. Her vocal equilibrium and the sudden up-surge of voice while singing with Pena (a string instrument of Manipuri folk music) could enchant the entire spectators in the auditorium.

Her body-language, while performing on the stage was a conspicuous hint of her self confidence and skill in the profession. Her depth of learning in the rhythm of music is a forgone conclusion, she has made the evening jubiliant. It seems, for her the sky is the limit.

Another phenomenon of the show of music was Master Rahul Sharma, the achiever of the top slot in "Anyone can Sing" Competition. His art of handling the microphone in the most exclusive style was a class in itself. This is the basic of a singer or a T.V. or Radio broadcaster.

Master Rahul rendered two songs at ease and titillating manner. He is the artiste to watch. The Programme Presentors in Manipuri and English both were superb. They were worthy Masters of Ceremony too.

The Epilogue:

The auspicious ritual of lighting lamps, performed by Shri B. Jayentakumar Sharma, an eminent lyricist along with AIR Director, (M. Kanankumar) and AIR Assistant Director, (Dilip Mayengbam) has heralded the Musical Extravaganza to set off and the curtain was down at 600 of the evening hours of the day.