On the path of preserving Manipuri culture
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Nomita Khongbantabam
Imphal, September 10 2012:
"We live with our heads held high because of the cultural heritage left behind by our ancestors.
But with the advent of modernization, the value of culture seems to fade away from our lives.
Nonetheless, with the sole motive of conserving and promoting our culture, the state government has instituted the Arts and Culture department", Director of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur Dr K Sobita has observed.
In an exclusive interview with Hueiyen Lanpao, Dr Sobita informed that since its inception, the Department of Art and Culture has been extending a number of grant-in-aid for the preservation of Manipuri cultures both in the hills and the plains.
Dr K Sobita recalled that during the times of Kings and Queens, culture was regarded as sacred and every possible measures was put in place by the Royal Palace for its preservation.
However, the cultural code of conduct of that time was mainly confined to the wealthy classes and those connected to the Royal Palace, thus leaving out laymen from the purview completely.
However, in this modern era, the Department of Art and Culture makes no distinction between the rich and the poor towards the efforts for preservation of culture in the state.
This year, the Government of Manipur has allocated funds for development of cultural libraries in the hill districts.
This initiative is to be taken up by the ADCs concerned, the Director disclosed.
She also informed that the Department of Art and Culture has been taking active part at various State level functions.
The Department also organizes various state functions to commemorate events related to departed Kings, patriots and leaders of Manipur.