Imphal, March 11: A programme on Live Calligraphic Demonstration of Meitei Puyas cum Symposium on Indigenous Methods of Conservation/Preservation of Old Manuscripts in Manipur was organised by Manipur State Archives, Manuscript Resource Centre Keishampat and National Mission For Manuscript, New Delhi at Irabot Memorial Hall, Challou today.

Presenting welcome address, Director-in-charge of Manipur State Archives, Manuscript Resource Centre, K Sumila noted that writings on papers, stone plates, tree barks or other things belong to the category of manuscripts.

Today's programme is specifically organised to preserve such invaluable manuscripts as was done earlier in several parts of the State.

She further disclosed that about 22,000 manuscripts have been documented for preservation in the Manuscript Resource Centre in addition to another 21,000 manuscripts preserved by means of electronic devices.

The programme was graced by Art and Culture Minister Ph Parijat as chief guest and former Director of College Development Council, MU, Prof Y Mohendro as functional president.

Speaking on the occasion, Ph Parijat informed that the Archives is working on a special method to preserve such manuscripts while remarking that these plethora of manuscripts written by scholars are a living testimony to the greatness of Manipur against its tiny geographical size.

He further appeal to take great care of such prized documents and to take the help of the experts from the Archives even if private individuals desire to preserve them at their own homes.

Parijat disclosed apart from the royal boat (Hiyang Hirel) now being displayed at Manipur State Museum, another Hiyang Hirel would be placed at Kangla for which a sum of Rs 5 lakhs have been sanctioned by the State Government.

Noted playwright Chana Lukhoi, Dr M Lokendro, vice-chairman of Kangla Religious Committee Yumnamcha Budhichandra and Bobby Wahengbam spoke on various topics.

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