Our Correspondent
Imphal, Dec. 14 (EMN): The two-day state level Barak Festival which commenced on Dec. 13 concluded on Dec. 14 with colourful events.
The festival was held at the picturesque Khabung Karong in Senapati district to promote, protect and preserve the state's largest river Barak.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh accompanied by Ministers Th Basanta Singh (Education, Law and Legislative Affairs), Khasim Vashum (Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Transport), MLAs Haokholet Kipgen (Saitu), Ram Muivah (Ukhrul), J Kumo Sha (Karong), L Dikho(Mao) and Naga People’s Organisation(NPO)’s President Solomon Arow led leaders were present during the closing function.
The festival is organised as a state level festival since 2018 to promote, protect and preserve Barak River which the organisers termed as ‘the Nile of Manipur’ and the gift of mother nature, originates from lofty hills of Liyai village in Senapati district.
Barak which flows along Manipur-Nagaland border along the hilly terrain and enters Assam and Bangladesh, is the second richest River in the Northeast India in terms of biodiversity as it is the home to more than 2000 aquatic species.
Highlighting the motto of the festival, “Save Mother Earth”, Biren Singh echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s belief of “Earth is One.’
Further explaining the need to shift the festival venue to the Barak River side, the Chief Minister said the decision was taken after considering that there is no need of organising a festival if one is unable to deliver its benefit to the public.
He said that the decision was taken after a thorough discussion with all stakeholders and after understanding the need to educate the youth about the importance of Barak River, its surrounding forest, nature and water.
Further, appreciating and lauding the organisers of the festival and those who coined the motto, he also stressed on the need to promote such important festivals like the Barak Festival besides highlighting the importance of conserving and preserving one’s culture.
There are around 34-35 communities in the state and it is the duty and responsibility of the chief minister to share their needs and grievances, Biren Singh added.
Performances from different cultural troupes and a beauty pageant were the main highlights of the closing function wherein around 90 stalls showcased the services provided by government agencies such as Fisheries Department, Autonomous District Council, Senapati, District Legal Services Authority, Senapati, Sub-divisional stalls, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, water supply department, etc.