Imphal, October 25: The world-famed Thang-Ta of Manipur should not be regarded simply as a sporting activity, but as one of the oldest and highest culture of the people of the State, said Art and Culture Director Dr Kh Sorojini Devi.

Speaking as chief guest of the 47th foundation day of Huyel Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association at Irilbung in Imphal East district today, Sorojini said Thang-Ta is a cultural legacy of our forefathers and should be preserved at all cost.

Although the Government of India has stopped giving grant to NGOs and other voluntary organisations working for the promotion and development of Manipuri culture, the State Art and Culture Department has been trying its best to prevail upon the Centre for resuming issuing of grants to the dedicated social organisations in the State, she said.

While appreciating the role and activities of the Association in promoting Manipuri culture, the Art and Culture Director observed that Huyel Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association is one such organisation which also honoured noted cultural activists of the State with awards on its foundation day.

In his address, vice chairman of JN Manipur Dance Academy Prof L Damudor Singh, who presided over the function, hailed the founder of the Association G Gourakishore Sharma as one of the pioneering figures who has dedicated his life for the promotion and preservation of Manipuri culture.

It is in recognition of his contribution in the field of culture that Sangeet Natak Kala Akademi has honoured him with award, he noted.

Five personalities who have left a mark for themselves in various fields were felicitated at the occasion.

They are Elam Indira Devi (dance), Loitongbam Dorendro Singh (theatre), Kangabam Mandakini Chanu (sports-boxing), Hanglem Indu Devi (song/music) and Khagembam Nabakanta Singh (Arangpham).

Besides presentation of cultural programmes, certificates were also distributed to the artistes of the Association at the occasion.

Comment