Manipur Museum celebrates 53rd Foundation Day

Imphal:  The 53rd Foundation Day celebration of Manipur State Museum cum Prize Distribution Ceremony of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Weekly Quiz Competition was held on Friday at the premise of Manipur State Museum, Imphal.

The programme was organized by Regional News Unit All India Radio Imphal and department of Art and Culture.

Speaking at the gathering as chief guest, Th.Basanta Kumar Singh education minister expressed that he felt  very happy to attend the function because he  has been longing to visit the Manipur State Museum and witness the  artefacts and other collection for quite a long time.

“Museum reflects the art, culture, heritage and everything that is important.” We can get an understanding of the culture of a country when we visit their respective museums, he added. Narrating his visits to foreign countries, Minister Th.Basanta stated that when he  visited any historic big city, he can see long lines of queue in its museum.  “We can get a glance of the famous paintings of Raphael and Picasso in Engaland’s museum. The significance of a museum is very big”, he emphasized.

Basanta said history, culture, language all are important. It is the culture and sports of Manipur that put it apart from the rest of the world. There is a huge talent in the youth of the state out of the small population that engage in culture and sporting activities compared with the rest of the world. “We need to maintain and keep up the museum as it is the most important cultural institution of our state,” he added.

Highlighting the importance of museum in a country, he said education is not just reading, writing and being a topper but also inculcating wisdom, culture, good behaviours and trying to be a good human being. The most important part of education is learning soft skills, how to respect elders and appreciating our culture, he added.

The minister suggested the museum authorities to send a written application to the government so that the issues regarding shortage of staff and security be taken care of. At present, the big museum with nine display halls is running with only two staff and no security to guard it.

“There are priceless gold and other old historic artefacts in our state museum. Art and culture subject is very close to my heart”, he said.

Basanta inaugurated Temporary Exhibition of Gold and Rare Masterpieces of Manipur State Museum and also the 8th Edition Newsletter of Manipur State Museum.