Sangai Festival Churachandpur chapter begins

Imphal: Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh on Thursday inaugurated fourth-day Sangai Festival, Churachandpur at the picturesque Geljang Resort as a part of the on-going Manipur Sangai Festival 2022 amidst cultural fervour and musical extravaganza.

The chief minister called upon all concerned to let go past grudges and bitterness and move forward to usher in a new era with a new mind-set. “We must forgive and forget the past with the celebration of this festival of oneness,” he said and added that the theme encompasses equal development, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence of all.

Many leaders have the dreams of achieving unity and oneness of the diverse communities of the state and the country like different flowers blooming in one garden. That dream has now been realised with the cooperation of the public. “To see this reality makes me emotional”, he said.

The state government is very practical and is committed to bring equal development to all parts of the state and maintain mutual trust among the public. Manipur is constituted by diverse people and as such development should not concentrate in a particular area. With this commitment, the Government is working for equitable development, Biren said.

The worth of the government or the CM is known by their deeds but not on the basis of word of mouth. He said the present government has been guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas. These are the basic foundation of the state government’s policies and actions.  In line with this mantra, the present government is expanding development initiatives in all parts of the state including the remotest parts.

There were many deficits in Churachandpur hospital during the Corona pandemic. The hospital was equipped better after it was realised by the government. Not only this, a medical college is given. He urged the people of Churachandpur to look after the medical college like their own but without any sectarian attitude because “we are one.”

He also stressed the need to foster better inter-community relations by learning and understanding each other particularly languages. Biren called upon all concerned to do away with ethno-centric and ethnic based politics. Rather, one must realise that they are proud citizens of India and Manipur.

The chief minister urged all concerned to plant more trees in catchment areas so that water in the rivers runs perennially.

The Group Young Mizo Association cultural troupe mesmerised the gathering with their bamboo dance performance while the Huyen Lalon Thang-Ta Cultural Association enthralled with their agile performance. Colourful presentation of Kabui Cultural dance, football freestyle show by internet sensation Muani Tangpua and performance on Hingminnasi Eikhoi by little children of St. Paul’s Institute mesmerised the crowd.

The second session saw Sound Factory (Drixian Empire) and other local artistes swaying the stage with their performance and cultural dance presentation from the Young Paite Association dance troupe. Magic show by Ozaka Joute and children of Rayburn High School were another attraction.

Later in the day, Biren flew to Behiang to attend the festival at the newly constructed amphitheatre of Manipur Southern Cultural Centre.

Addressing the gathering there, Biren expressed the government’s plan to develop Behiang as the second border hub after Moreh. He also mentioned that the MSCC will be developed in such a manner that it is capable of hosting a big function and a NEC funded guest house is also coming up soon.

The night programme at Behiang Public ground witnessed various local artistes performing apart from traditional fashion parade featuring Miss Kut 2022 and watching of FIFA world cup match in big screen.

The celebration will continue at Geljang Resort on Friday. Cultural performance from all tribes of Churachandpur Khuga Waves (Rock concert) by local artistes and bands, meet the stars programme featuring Soma Laishram, brand ambassador, MSF 2022, performance by folk singer Rosy Heisnam and K-Pop dance by Duality will be the main attractions.