Imphal, February 02: The Prof N Tombi Singh memorial award was today conferred by Communiqu� Concerns to H Nalini for her commendable works on Nata Sankirtana and Hindustani Classical music on the 78th birth anniversary of Prof N Tombi held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, Imphal.

The award was presented by Rishang Keisning MP who was the Chief Guest of the function.

Rishang Keishing speaking on the occasion said Prof Tombi started opening schools at the hill areas of Manipur.

He worked hard for the people of hills and plain people he further said.

Today's youths should try to emulate such leaders who did not simply talk but worked he said.

Rishang further said today's generations believe in more talks on the integrity issue rather than working at the ground level.

During his long stint in politics, Rishang said the relations between the people of the state was cordial but now every tribe has its own association and all interactions are limited to the particular community.

We should try to reach out to the people so that we could have a cordial relation he further said.

We need good pillars to have a strong nation he said.

He said he is not able to see good pillars so far.

He also said the senior citizens should work together so that the youths can be guided.

The senior citizens can at least give some guidance he said.

He expressed his unhappiness to see so many good leaders pass away in such a crucial juncture.

S Chandrahas, giving the presidential address remembered Prof N Tombi's contributions in arts and culture and politics.

He remembered Prof Tombi a clean politician, journalist and cultural activist.

MK Binodini, the Guest of Honour said we should consult the right persons and know our history properly before taking up any work.

She said she was surprised to know that the Chief Minister and others did not consult the senior family members of the royal family to identify the historical places.

The younger brother of King Buddhachandra, MK Priyobrata is still alive.

She further said there are about three people still alive who know about the royal structures.

The politicians and the journalists should know our history and know the details of any work so that all works can be done properly she said.

She said Prof N Tombi was a person who knew about Manipur history.

When she discussed about the last days of King Churachand, father of MK Binodini, she remembered the words of Prof Tombi who informed her that King Churachand died an unhappy man at Nabadwip.

The King was feeling uneasy about the British influence after the 1891 Anglo Manipur war.

Padmashree Khelchandra gave a detailed history of Prof N Tombi and the great achievements of his forefathers specially in undertaking the expedition of eliminating the Cachar king in 1830 as reflected in the Cheitharol Kumbaba.

After the formal function, the students of JNM Dance Academy presented a recital.

H Nalini presented a Hindustani classical recital followed by a percussion performance of Loken, (Meitei Pung) Randolph (tabla) and Guno.

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