Will cooperate to promote rich Manipuri culture: Governor

Imphal: Governor of Manipur Sushri Anusuiya Uikey said she will support and co-operate every step to promote the rich culture of the state.

Governor was speaking at the presentation ceremony of Manipur State Kala Akademi Awards, 2021, held at Maharaj Chandrakirti Auditorium at Palace Compound, here on Monday.

Manipuri culture is very beautiful and famous worldwide and all should contribute to promote it. Even in Holi, the traditional attire and the respect shows the rich cultural heritage of the state, she said.

She felt proud as the governor of this state and will extend support to promote the rich cultural legacy. She said she will inform the President and the Prime Minister about the beautiful culture of this state.

Sushri Anusuiya Uikey further said the efforts of Manipur State Kala Akademi (MSKA) will certainly preserve and promote the rare and unique cultural heritage of Manipur. She continued that MSKA, since its inception, has been making efforts on sustained basis for promotion, preservation and propagation of rich cultural traditions such as music, dance, theatre, literature and fine arts within and outside the state.

The Akademi organised festivals, workshops, seminars, symposia and cultural exchange programmes. It also instituted four memorial lectures. The Akademi conferred Lifetime Achievement award to an individual in recognition and honour of his/her outstanding contribution in Manipuri culture over a period of time.

She continued that the Akademi is concerned about a few rare art forms of Manipur, fearing extinction when their aged Gurus become invalid or face death. Young talents of these art forms have to be identified and nurtured. The Akademi is the only Agency which can take over this responsibility, she added.

Governor presented MSKA Lifetime Achievement Award-2021 to Kshetrimayum Randhoni Devi, a noted theatre personality of Manipur. The award carries a shawl, citation, memento and a cheque of Rupees 3 lakh. She also presented MSKA Fellow-2021 to Chabungbam Kondum Singh and Sougaijam Thanil Singh. He also presented MSKA Award and MSKA Young Talent Award to 19 personalities and 6 young artists respectively.

Education minister Th. Basantakumar Singh said, “Our identity is represented by our rich culture and we are proud of it.” He said, our cultural heritage is being reflected by classical Manipuri dance, traditional folk art forms and dances of different tribal groups. He urged all to contribute for the promotion of rich cultural heritage of the state.