Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 23:
To give a boost to cultural activities in Manipur, arrangement has been put into motion to set up the North East regional office of Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi at Imphal.
This was disclosed by Art and Culture Minister Dr M Nara while speaking at a function organized by Progressive Artiste Laboratory (PAL) at Lamboikhongnangkhong in connection with its 29th annual function cum felicitation of National awardees this afternoon.
Dr Nara, who was chief guest of the function, expressed confidence that setting up a regional office of ICCR at Imphal would further give a boost to cultural activities in Manipur besides enabling artistes to take part in cultural exchange programmes in foreign countries thereby providing a platform to showcase their talent.
Recognizing the rich cultural tradition of the Manipuri people, Dr Nara pointed out the need for establishing a Cultural University and said that the matter has already been mooted in the State Cultural Policy which is awaiting due approval of the State Cabinet for implementation.
The certificates issued by a Cultural University would also have more importance than the any other degree or diploma being offered by numerous institutions in the field of culture, he observed.
It is a matter of great pride for the people of Manipur that the proposed Cultural Policy is going to be the first of its kind in India, Dr Nara added.
Emphasizing on the need for preserving the cultural activities of our forefathers, the Art and Culture Minister said that the real identity of a society can be known from its cultural heritage and it is only through the medium of culture that peace and harmony can be brought about in society.
In his presidential address, PAL president and Director of Institute of Bio Resources Prof H Tombi also reiterated on the need for establishing a Cultural University.
He also expressed the desire for conducting a series of lecture demonstration programme on Manipuri dances for its popularity among the people.
Besides felicitating five cultural activists and National Awardees, chief guest also presented certificates to 15 persons who took part in the training cum workshop on Rare Manipur Musical Instruments organized by PAL last year during the function.
The cultural activists who were honoured at the occasion are Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardees Laishram Birendrakumar, Srimati Kalvati, Surjamukhi Devi, Kala Ratna awardee L Lakpati and Kalashetra director and Padmashree recipient H Kanhailal.