Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, March 26 2009:
'The waning away of Kauna, (the indigenous reed), which has been inseparable with the history of the land since time immemorial, indicates the lost of the identity and economy of the people,' senses Shivadutta Luwang.
Shivadutta Luwang, the editor of Hueiyen Lanpao (Meetei Mayek) edition was speaking as the day's Chief Guest at the ten-day long 'Yening Keithel,' a craft fair organised by the Women Income Generation Centre (WIGC) at Thoubal today.
Shivadutta said that the people of the state irrespective of residing in hill or valley have come of ages using the products of Kauna.
The eco-friendliness of Kauna is scientifically proven and its usage has cured several illnesses apart from controlling the temperature.
Shivadutta Luwang said that the historic and scientific relevance of Kauna should be made known to others.
Calling for the preservation of the indigenous reed, Shivadutta also advocates growing Kauna in large scale with the help of scientific technology.
He said the plant may diminish from the land if not proper care and effective measures are taken up by the government which will also render the people helpless in producing more products of it.
He said that there may be other similar animals like the Sangai, but all similar animals with Sangai cannot be called Sangai.
Likewise, plants having similarity with Kauna cannot be branded as 'Kauna' while adding that the plant has been interrelated and part of history of the people and the land.
He further said that the efforts of WIGC towards the progress and development of women of the land, at this point of time when everyone becomes selfish, are laudable.
He said that the talents of several women have been discovered and utilised in the most beneficial way with the efforts of the WIGC.
The Secretary of WIGC, Indira Oinam has also spoke on the occasion.
Creative and hard working designers like Inaomacha and Surjeet were also honoured.