IMPHAL, Jan 24 (NNN): Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, who also holds the portfolio of Art & Culture, unveiled two ‘Cultural Integrity Pillars’ at Palace Compound, Imphal on Thursday. Speaking on the occasion of the unveiling ceremony held at the Directorate of Art & Culture, Palace Compound, Chief Minister Ibobi said that the Cultural Integrity Pillars would be an asset for future generations.
Assuring all possible assistance to the Art & Culture Department to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Manipur while emphasizing the need to have a ‘separate museum’ to house objects of Manipuri art and cultures in the state, the Chief Minister also said the two cultural integrity pillars signify different ethnic communities in the state have co-existed since time immemorial and would provide valuable information about the culture and traditions of the people of Manipur. The twelve artists who carved the pillars were also honored at the function.
MLA E Chand; RK Nimai, Commissioner, Art & Culture and K Sobita Devi, Director, Art & Culture and other dignitaries also attended the function. The two cultural integrity pillars were erected by Art & Culture Department at the cost of Rs 5 lakh. Each pillar measures about 18 ft in length, 3 ft in circumference and 7 tons in weight.
The Cultural Integrity Pillar No 1 erected at the main gate of Directorate of Art & Culture depicts engraved figurines of different ethnic groups and animals belonging to 17th and 18th centuries while pillar No 2 at the main gate of Bheigyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT) displays several designs imprinted on various clothes used during that time.