IMPHAL, October 25: Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association, Irilbung, Imphal East celebrated its 54th foundation day at its auditorium today.
The function was attended by MP Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency Dr T Meinya, Founder Guru Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association Gurumayum Gourakishore Sharma, Manipuri Dept Head MU Prof P Gunindro Singh and retd Director JNMDA Imphal as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.
The chief guest also released a souvenir of the association and a book titled Yekthoklaba Asupa Manipur Etihas written
by RK Sanatomba during the function.
A reception ceremony of Ustad Bismellah Khan Yuva Puraskar awardees Hanglem Indu Devi and Ahongshangbam Priyarani Devi were also held during the function.
Chief guest T Meinya said that Thang-Ta is one of our cultural martial art forms which defines our identity before the rest of the world.
He lauded the HLMTTCA for preserving the art form.
He expressed that Manipur excels in the field of culture, academics and sports.
He also expressed that the state has much to offer however due to certain reasons like the present administration system, we are unable to perform to our best before the outside world.
T Meinya concluded his speech by assuring financial help to the association.
Guest of honour L Joychandra Singh said that there is need for our scholars to translate our books to other languages so as to build a more vast audience for our arts and culture in the world.
He further viewed that even before India got her Independence, the Manipur classical dance form was recognized as one of the four recognized Indian classical dance forms.