Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 21 2009:
The 1st Cultural Festival on Peace, 2009 was organised under the aegis of All Tribal Women's Organisation (ATWO) at the campus of GM Evergreen High School in Tuishimi village, Chandel district today.
Held under theme of 'Peace through culture', presentation of cultural dances and songs by cultural troupes of 12 different communities residing in Chandel district was the main highlight of the festival.
The inaugural function of the festival was attended by MLA of Tengnoupal A//C Morung Makunga as chief guest, Ex-Minister DK Korungthang as functional president and deputy Commissioner of Chandel H Dilip Singh and Thangkham Misao, PRO of MP Thangso Baite
as guests of honour.
Representatives of All Tribal Union, Manipur; Chandel Naga People's Organisation; Kuki Chiefs' Association, Chandel; Kuki Students' Organisation, Chandel; Naga Students' Union, Chandel; Hill Tribal Council, Moreh; Chandel Naga Women Union; Weaker Section Development Council; Kuki Women for Human Rights, Moreh; REACH-M; United NGO Mission and District Network, UNM were also present at the occasion.
Delivering the key note address, president of All Tribal Women Organisation K Shakhila observed that collective responsibility is essential for the development and promotion of the culture and tradition of all the communities residing in the State and this festival aims to achieve this goal.
She also appealed to all the communities for support and co-operation so that this festival could be made an annual event.
In his address as chief guest of the function MLA Morung Makunga, noted that peace and development can come through promotion of cultural activities among the people.
So organising such cultural festival should be encouraged.
Each and every individual in the society should be a peacemaker towards restoring normalcy in the strife-torn State, he exhorted.
Speaking as one of the guests of honour, Thangkham Misao pointed out that the culture of Manipur inhabited by various communities is so colourful and unique that there can be no similarity elsewhere in the world.
So it should be the responsible of each and every person to work for its promotion.
He also suggested that efforts should be made towards taking this festival at the State level.
After the formal inaugural, cultural troupes of Chothe, Gangte, Maring, Lamkang, Monsang, Zou, Anal, Moyon, Tarao, Thadou, Vaiphei and Aimol presented dances and songs enthralling the gathering.