Ganesan  points out need for concrete folk culture awareness plan

Imphal: There is a need to have a concrete plan for creating awareness about folk songs, folk tales and literature of all tribes among today’s youth, Manipur governor La. Ganesan said on Friday.

The governor was speaking at the releasing function of Documentation of Folksongs of Tarao and Kom Janajati, held at Kalyan Ashram, Palace Compound in Imphal.

Steps must be taken to encourage more research and at the same time to consolidate all research works on history of tribes’ literature so far and to identify and encourage new research projects. It is important that the antiquity of folk songs and civilization must be explored, he said.

“When Tarao tribe is considered as the smallest in terms of population among 34 recognised tribes of Manipur, it is our responsibility to make every effort for its healthy growth and development so that posterity can benefit from the vast knowledge and ideas that rest within the Tarao and Kom folk songs,” Ganesan said.

Lauding the efforts made by Kalyan Ashram, Manipur to document the folklore in digital format, he said, folk songs is one of the most challenging aspects of folklore as folk tunes renders appropriate meaning to lyrics for correct understanding. Kalyan Ashram has taken valuable initiative to document the folk songs of the two tribes which will really be an asset for the future generation and the Ashram will continue to document old folk songs of every tribe in future, he added.

Lt. General (retd.) K. Himalay Singh also spoke on the importance of preserving tribal’s rich culture in the state and also thanked the initiative taken up by Kalyan Ashram, Manipur in this regard.

M. Rameshwar Singh, MLA; Ng. Tejkumar Singh, president, Kalyan Ashram, Manipur; and representatives of different tribes attended among others in the function.