IMPHAL, May 19: The Anji Cultural Academy celebrated its 15th foundation day cum certificate distribution function of its 2 months training on pung eshei and potloi setpa, with financial assistance from the Sangeet Natak Academy, New Delhi and Department of Art and Culture, Manipur at Lamyanba Shanglen in Palace Compound today.
Delivering the keynote address at the occasion, Thouyamba Meitei, General Secretary Anji Cultural Academy said Manipur tops in the field of culture.
Speaking at the occasion, T Mangibabu Singh, MLA Thanga AC said that an institution should not exist for namesake only but do its work.
“The state is independent in the field of art and culture, and has its uniqueness in every field. Manipuri Raas Leela, dance, eshei are not simple ones and we should make effort to nurture these. Our art and culture should be studied,” he said.
The MLA expressed his appreciation for the Anji Cultural Academy for working towards nurturing art and culture, and produces art forms.
He also said that engaging in art and culture is refining oneself, and urged Anji to produce more and more aesthetic art forms. A sum of Rs 5000 was also donated by him to provide aid to the Academy.
During the occasion, Dr M Nara, Former Minister Art and Culture said culture should not be looked only as dance and song.
All over the world its definition is endless till today. The sum total of the human activity is called culture, which is a product of civilization and a dynamic process. It consist of creativity and innovation, he stressed.
Exhorting the Academy to preserve Khongjom Parva and to restore the beauty of Khulang Eshei; Dr Nara commended Anji`s efforts to preserve the culture and tradition of Meiteis.
Manibabu Likmabam, Program Executive Doordarshan Kendra Imphal also spoke on the occasion.