Imphal,May 13 (EMN): Manipur’s Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh addressing the 82nd Annual Convention of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Imphal.
Maharaj Chandrakirti Auditorium here on Saturday observed that literature & culture along with dance and music can play a key role in bringing emotional integration in the State.
The tiny state of Manipur has as many as 36 ethnic communities and the issue of integration is very important for a peaceful coexistence.
Deputy Chief Minister Joykumar said, literature, art & culture can reflect everything in the society and therefore for a societal change, people from all walks of life should know the culture and traditions of all the communities living together in State. “By knowing it, we can respect each other sharing the responsibilities we have,” says Joykumar. “We are proud of having more than two thousands year old rich Manipuri literature but only a few people know its importance and beauty. To further develop the aged old literature and let it be known to the masses, we, the present generation, should retrospect its immense beauty and heritage to disseminate it to the future generations again.”
He also suggested the inclusion of folklore, folkdance and martial arts in the school curriculum as optional subjects so that younger generations could inculcate it in their minds.
Former state police chief also announced to institute “Yumnam Kesho Singh Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award in Literature, Art & Culture” in the name of his father from this year. The award carries a cash of rupees one lakh, a Certificate and a Plaque.
Education Minister Th Radheshyam Singh while speaking at the convention said, every citizen should contribute in their fields to the society so that peace, prosperous and stability can persist for long. He said, literature has the unique principle to deliver good moral discipline in the society. Therefore, to maintain discipline among ourselves, we should know it and co-operate each other to flourish the rich Manipuri literature in the days to come, he added.
Two books “Life and Works of Pandit Khelchandra” and “Ningshinghouba Khara Libiramba Khara Pandit Ningthoukhongjam Khelchandra” were also released during the day’s event. A seminar on the topic “Pandit Ningthoukhongjam Khelchandra Bu Nouhouna Masak Leppa” was also organised in commemoration with the birth anniversary of the Pandit. Four resource persons presented papers.
President of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Imphal Professor Thoidingjam Tombi,President of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Assam Karam Ibungohal and President of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Meghalaya also participated among others in the annual Convention.
