Imphal, March 29: In continuation of the campaign for affiliation of cultural institutes run by the State Government and private individuals/organisations undertaken by DESAM and FIMACS since September 2004, an open discussion programme would be held on March 31 at JN Dance Academy.

The seminar on the theme 'Systematisation and Rationalisation of the Curriculum of Cultural Institutes of Manipur would be participated by numerous teachers and experts of several performing arts and the recommendations adopted in the course of the seminar would be urged for implementation to the authority concerned.

In a press briefing today at the office of DESAM, its secretary general LC Santosh observed that the certificates issued to the students by both the Government and privately run institutes have been rendered worthless as these institutes are not affiliated to any recognised University.

He noted that the syllabi and curriculum followed in these institutes are not backed up by any competent or authentic theory but these syllabi are largely based on oral tradition and the choice of the teachers concerned.

Such irregularity and lack of any established rules and regulations have been acting as major road blocks to any meaningful cultural growth and rejuvenation, he remarked.

Even as many acknowledged the richness of Manipuri culture and tradition, no single step has been initiated by the State Government to identify the problems plaguing the growth of our culture and nothing has been done towards a definite cultural policy of the State, observed Santosh.

While the State Government is sitting idle with these problems, the ever increasing influence from the mainland cultures and traditions is eroding the unique indigenous cultures and traditions, he added.

Further LC Santosh questioned as to under what principle the JN Dance Academy would be upgraded to the status of a deem university as was proclaimed by Governor SS Sidhu.

He further sought clarification from the Governor regarding his proclamation.

He noted that the upgradation of JN Dance Academy to the status of deem university sounds illogical when the academy is yet to attain the status of a degree college.

He mentioned that there is not a single cultural institute at present affiliated to the Manipur University.

Observing that what is paramount and urgent at present is the establishment of a cultural college before embarking on the grander mission of cultural university in the State, Santosh asserted that the students of the State though well versed in performing arts are lagging far behind their counterparts of other States academically which paves way for cultural experts from outside the State assuming authority over our culture, history and identity.

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