Guru Amubi remembered

Imphal: Maharaj Leisemba Sanajaoba, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) unveiled the bust of late Padmashri Guru Maisnam Amubi Singh, on his 50th Death Anniversary observation on Wednesday.

Padmashri Guru Maisnam Amubi Singh was the first winner of Sangeet Natak Akademi award from the state of Manipur in 1956. He was honoured by the government of India in 1970 with Padmashri, the fourth highest Indian civilian award.

The observance ceremony held at Jagoi Marup Complex, Lamboikhongnangkhong, was organised by Manipuri Jagoi Marup, Imphal, one of the oldest dance institute founded by the late Guru.

Sanajaoba said the late Guru, father of Manipuri classical and solo dance, has created a platform for art and culture through the unique Manipuri dance form making Manipur known to the world. The beautiful art form created by the guru has been brought forward by his students till today and hoped that the students will maintain the values and traditions for a better platform for art and culture for future generations, he added.

The Manipuri society is a very traditional and value-oriented society but there seems to be lack of cultural values and tradition among the present generation. The only people who are safeguarding the cultural traditions and values are those in the field of arts, he added.

He said he will extend possible support to the organization in improving and bringing forth the cultural traditions of the Late Guru.

MLA Raghumani Singh said art and culture has played a big role in presenting the Manipuri society to the world. Westernisation has somewhat degraded the life of the present generation and yhere is need to inculcate the unique cultural and traditional values as a lesson among the youths. “We should hope for the betterment of the cultural values and traditions handed down by the Guru among the students and others in the society.”

Artists from MJM, JNMDA, Meitei Jagoi, Kolkota; Panthoibi Jagoi Marup, New Delhi taking part in cultural performances were also felicitated as part of the observance ceremony.

Padmashri Awardee Elam Indira Devi, Gurus of the institute, invitees and students attended the observance ceremony among others.