Our Cultural Richness Is One of Our Biggest Assets: Governor

Imphal, September 18 (DIPR): The Silver Jubilee Celebration of Meitei Traditional Dance Teaching School & Performing Centre, Imphal was held at Chandrakriti Auditorium, Art & Culture Complex, Palace Compound today. The 25 years completion function of the centre was based on the theme “Preservation of Traditional culture for peace and prosperity under the roof of love & unity: One family One nation ONE WORLD.”

Hon’ble Governor of Manipur, Dr. Najma Heptulla and Director, CHORUS Repertory Theatre, Imphal and also Former Chairmen, National School of Drama, New Delhi, Dr. Ratan Thiyam graced the function as Chief Guest and President respectively. Sharing the dais with them were Chairperson, MSCW, Dr.K.Sobita Devi and Retd.Commissioner, Arts & Culture, Government of Manipur, IAS, Dr. P. Bharat Singh.

The event started off with invocation that comprised of musical sound of a fusion of moibung, pung and pena.

The dignitaries paid floral tributes in memory of those expired Oja Gurus, Official Bearers & members who had contributed to the centre for the last 25 years.

During the function, a Souvenir titled “Meitei Traditional Dance Teaching School & Performing Centre” was released along with launching of the website of M.T.D.T.S & P.C.

Governor Najma Heptulla distributed awards comprising of a shawl and momento to each of the four gold medalists and Dr.K.Sobita Devi and Dr. P. Bharat Singh were presented special honours for donating to the Meitei Traditional Dance Teaching School & Performing Centre and also for taking an active role as Executive bodies of the centre.

40 Consultant Awards, 26 Ningshing Awards and 13 Special Honours were also conferred by Dr. Ratan Thiyam to eminent personalities from different walks of art, culture, dance and music as part of the function.

Acknowledging the Meitei Traditional Dance Teaching School & Performing Centre for their unending efforts and dedication in nurturing and promoting the traditional dances of Manipur, the Governor said, “This institute which was established in 1993 is making remarkable contribution to keep this precious legacy alive and vibrant. The Silver Jubilee Celebration will feature various programmes over a period of 6 months phased out in monthly calendars. It will not only attempt to bring out the best in Manipuri culture but will also discuss various issues relating to it in the present context of art and culture.”

She also said, “Dance and music symbolizing joys and jubilations of generations hold the imprints of their long social and cultural history and tradition. Keeping them alive is, therefore, a magnificent form of paying homage to our artistes and artisans and to our cultural heritage” by throwing light on the main objective of today’s Silver Jubilee function as a means of ushering our rich culture into the mainstream.

“We should encourage our youths to keep their cultural skills and creativity alive and robust. I urge for collective commitment for preserving core cultural values and I shall be very happy when this commitment and effort will make a thousand orchid bloom in the valleys of this fascinating State,” she convinced while speaking regarding  creating of a favourable environment for our cultural traditions and practices to flourish.

+ There are no comments

Add yours