IMPHAL, November 2: Lak-uko Ibungi Ibemma, the debut video album under the banner of Society for Disabled Persons’, Manipur was formally released by Kumbi MLA S Bira today at his office quarter at Babupara.
The function was attended by Bira as the chief guest, executive editor of Imphal Free Press and production-in-charge of the album, Maibam Dhanabir Meetei as the president while district social welfare officer of Bishnupur, Kameshwor was the guest of honor.
S Bira, in his address, stated that the last few decades have witnessed a change in the mentality of the public and their attitude towards the differently-abled persons. He said that in the past the general attitude was one of stigmatization, marginalization and discrimination and even possesses the belief that the person may have sinned in the past life to be afflicted with such a disability. But, now the public have a sympathetic attitude towards the differently-abled and they must extend care and support and provide equal opportunities, he said.
Executive editor of IFP, Maibam Dhanabir in his address said that the differently-abled have physical problems from being blind, deaf or mute, etc. But it is obligatory for the persons to provide a helping hand to the less fortunate sections. This is must to bring different sections of the society on the equal footing, he said.
Further, he informed that the entire cast of the album was made up of differently abed persons and the main theme focuses on a blind brother inviting his sister on the occasion of Ningol Chakouba and showed the unconditional love tendered. The film aims to highlight the fact that despite being handicap, the less fortunate have a normal life and they should not be viewed in a marginalized manner.
The singers of the album are Bobi Potshangbam and Sandhyarani, with the former writing all the lyrics. The producer is N Iboton and the cinematography and direction is by Dr Huidrom Romen, IFP correspondent of Bishnupur. The album is unique as it features a cast and production team composed predominantly of differently-abled.