Imphal, June 29: Fulfilling one of the cherished dreams of the Manipuri singers, State Government has announced September 30 as Matam Eshei Numit (Manipuri Modern Song Day) and starting from this year the day would be observe as such.

An official notification was issued yesterday.

Talking to media-persons at his Yaiskul residence this morning, president of All Manipur Matam Eshei Kanglup (AMMEK), Nongmaithem Pahari expressed gratitude to the present Government and Art and Culture Minister Dr M Nara in particular for understanding the desire of singers in Manipur and declaring September 30 as the Matam Eshei Numit.

Stating that AMMEK has been urging the Govt for recognizing the contribution of the singers in society for the last 20 or 25 years, Pahari said that the due recognition accorded by the Govt, though its came late, has put souls into the lives of musicians and singers in Manipur.

He said that since the establishment of AMMEK as a registered body in 1978, it has been demanding the Govt for declaring September 30 as Eshei Numit.

Though, the previous Govt did not conceded to the demand.

But this time, the Govt which has the like of Art and Culture Minister Dr M Nara Singh who has genuine interest for the development of art and culture in Manipur has fulfilled one of the long cherish dreams of the Manipuri artistes who are in the field of music.

Secretary of AMMEK Dr Haomom Naba, while showing the copy of the official order declaring September 30 as Matam Eshei Numit informed that the representatives of AMMEK met Art and Culture Minister Dr M Nara at his office chamber on March 18 last to hold discussion on the matter.

The Govt's declaration is likely to the outcome of that meeting and discussion.

He said that although Summang Leela which is considered as one offshoots of Matam Eshei had been given due recognition.

The Govt has only kept aside a separate day for the Summang Leela, but also gave awards and honour to the artistes.

But the singers and musicians in Manipur have been denying such honour for long.

This is a very sentimental matter for the singers and musicians, he said with emotion.

On the significance of declaring September 30 as Matam Eshei Numit, Dr Naba informed that it was on this day of 1925 that the Narsingha, the first Manipuri drama was performed at the mandop of Shree Shree Govindajee during the time of Churachand Maharaj.

Before that all the dramas were performed and the songs sung in Bengali.

Taking into all this historical accounts, AMMEK felt that September 30 is very apt for observing September 30 as the Matam Eshei Numit as it was from this day onwards that a new chapter had began.

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