Our Correspondent
Imphal, Dec. 13 (EMN): With colourful traditional dance and music sequences, the 3rd edition of the state level Barak Festival 2022 began with motto ‘Save Mother Earth’ on Wednesday at the picturesque Sanyi Dahrii Sports Complex at Khabung Karong, 65 km north of Imphal in Manipur’s Senapati district.
Manipur’s Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Power, Agriculture, Science and Technology minister Th. Biswajit inaugurated the two-day festival held on the theme ‘Celebrating Endowment’ in the presence of Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Karong MLA J Kumo Sha along with Senapati based Naga Peoples Organisation (NPO)’s President Solomon Arow.
Director (Tourism) W Ibohal Singh, district level officers, tribal leaders, representatives of civil society organisations and village chiefs and authorities were also present.
Speaking on occasion, minister Biswajit said that Barak River must be well preserved and maintained as it provides sustainable activities for human beings, flora and fauna present nearby.
Informing that the state government has recently banned using plastic bottles, the minister also assured that the environment department will look into the move of plastic free steps in Senapati.
In his speech, Govindas Konthoujam, who also holds the Youth Affairs and Sports portfolio, assured that the incomplete stadium of Sanyi Dahrii Sports Complex would be completed on or before the 5th edition of the Barak festival. Stating that human civilisation started with the river, he said it is the responsibility of everyone to maintain it with proper care.
Earlier in his keynote address, NPO’s President Solomon termed Barak which originates from Liyai village in Senapati district flowing along Manipur-Nagaland border and passes through Assam and Bangladesh (before it joins with other rivers and falls to Bay of Bengal), is ‘the Nile of Manipur’.
“In today’s context, the Barak River is on the brink of becoming a dead river because of negative human intrusion,” he said. “On this day of Barak festival, let us reaffirm our collective responsibility to promote, protect and preserve the Barak river as all living beings require water for its survival and daily activities.”
The traditional fire making competition, dances from different cultural troupes and musical shows- Barak rock concert marked the opening day of the festival. Several government stalls displaying their activities and schemes marked the celebration.
A traditional car race from Mt Zion College to Sanyi Dahrii Sports Complex was the main attraction of the day.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh led ministers, MLAs will attend the closing function on Dec. 14.