Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Jun 11:
In an oath taking ceremony today presided titular Sanajaoba as chief guest, newly elected office bearers of the Federation of Indigenous Martial Arts and Cultural Society (FIMACS) took charge of their posts.
During the ceremony attended by former president of FIMACS A Tondang Luwang, Tomba Golmei and secretary of MBC Vumthang Sithou as president and guest of honours, 11 newly elected office bearers of FIMACS were administered the oath to office.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanajaoba noted that Manipuri culture should not be perceived only those of Meitei ThangTa, Meitei dance and music and religious practices.
He remarked that the word 'Manipuri culture' should be inclusive of all the indigenous cultures belonging to all the ethnic groups of the State.
He lamented that the State Government has not done anything concrete to preserve and promote Manipuri culture and sports despite everybody acknowledge that sports and culture are the two that identify a Manipuri to the national and international communities.
Reflecting on the lack of cultural authority in the State, Sanajaoba disclosed that owing to lack of any authentic cultural authority, it has become extremely hard to maintain the ethics and practices of royal palace.
Moreover, the Umang Lai Haraoba which is the main stay of Manipuri culture has been shrouded in controversies due to infringement by some unscrupulous elements who claim themselves to be authorities and experts in the field, stated the king.
Informing that the royal palace is not sitting idle, Sanajaoba said that as the royal palace is the genuine authority over all matters pertaining to Lai Haraoba since ages, it is striving to settle all controversies with the help of scholars and experts in the field of culture.
He also desired representatives belonging to different ethnic groups of the State to join the cultural body of FIMACS.