Ganeshan, Biren attend cultural confluence

Imphal: Manipur governor La Ganesan and chief minister N. Biren Singh on Sunday graced the ‘Cultural Confluence of Tamil and Manipuri’ function organised by the state art and culture department, coincide with the death centenary of Tamil poet Mahakavi Subramania Bharati at Chandrakirti Auditorium, Palace Compound in Imphal East district.

Bijoykumar Tayenjam, V. Sekhar of Tamil Sangam, Moreh, M. Murali of Krishna Sweets, Chennai, Dr Parveen Sultana, Vanavil K. Ravi and Isaikavi Ramanan spoke on the life and works of Mahakavi Subramania Bharati. Hidam Himachal and S. Nabachandra Sharma (Naba Volcano) presented the prayer song written by Bharati and translated into Manipuri by Bijoykumar Tayenjam.

Ganesan said the birth centenary celebration of M.K. Binodini would be held at Chennai in February next year as a cultural exchange programme and to introduce her to Tamil people. He said he had communicated with the governor of Tamil Nadu regarding the matter and he would also attend the function.

Expressing his profound happiness to have attended the cultural confluence function, he appreciated the chief minister and art and culture department for organising such an event which would enable the people of the two states to learn each other’s culture and literature. Stating that Manipur is known for its rich cultural heritage, the governor described the state as a mini India where people of different communities are residing.

Biren said as part of the celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mohatsav, various programmes are being observed across the country. The cultural confluence function is a fitting tribute to the rich composite culture of the country because it reminds the strength of India and unity in diversity, he added.

Stating that Tamil Nadu and Manipur are both proud of its history, traditions, arts and culture, he said the event would go a long way in deepening the understanding and appreciation between the people of the two states through exchange of various art forms in the months to come.

He thanked the talkers of the event, who shared valuable details and insights about Mahakavi Bharti. He said the programme has made better acquainted with the works and activities of Subramania Bharati.

He said the state government would be deputing speakers on MK Binodini along with a cultural team to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Manipur for her birth centenary celebration at Chennai.