Classical language conclave underway in Manipur

Our Correspondent

Imphal, April 15 (EMN): A three-day conference on classical language status in respect of Manipuri language was inaugurated at the conference hall of State Guest House, Sanjenthong in Imphal on April 15 Sunday.

Arts and culture minister L Jayantakumar Singh, Education minister Th Radheshyam Singh, language activist L. Saratchandra Sharma and Director art and culture Ng Uttam Singh as chief guest functional; president and guests of honour of the inaugural function.

Speaking at the function Jayantakumar Singh said that it is a global phenomenon that every community wants to protect and promote their own identities. The language which is classical in nature may be termed as classical language.

Stating that, ,it is our pride that we have been gifted with a rich and precious language by our ancestors’, Jayantakumar Singh said that it is the duty of every Manipuris to protect, preserve and promote the age long language.

Also, he advised the gathering to put up suggestions and advice at any period of time to bring up the status of Manipuri language and to be recognised as a classical language in the country.

In his president speech, Th. Radheshyam Singh said that Manipuri language has already been included in the 8th Scheduled of the Indian Constitution. ‘Moreover we are also recognised by the rest of the world for our rich classical dance and art and culture. As a result the Manipuri language will have no difficulty to be enlisted in the list of Classical Languages of the country’, he added.

Eminent educationalists, language activists and officials and staff from Directorate of Language and Art and Culture also attended the function.