IMPHAL, January 29: The three-day-long Tribal Cultural Festival that started on 27 January comes to an end at the Tribal Research Institute in Chingmeirong on Wednesday.
In his keynote address, George Maran, Joint Secretary, Tribal Affair, said the multi-ethnic festival participated by thirty-four colourful tribes was mainly organised to educate people about the various tribes and to make them understand their culture and traditions, also expressing the need for people to appreciate and recognise other groups so that they can start believing one another and make the society faction free.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, chief guest on the closing day of the festival organised by the Tribal Research Institute and jointly sponsored by the ministry of tribal affairs, Government of India and Manipur, said: “Today is the scrutiny of the INC nominated candidate in the Manipur State Legislative for the RS polls so I wouldn’t be able to attend the entire session. On the other hand, the festival held for the third time, has as its theme “Culture for peace and harmony” this time around, with the intention of building bridges between different tribes. People feel culture is important but the main culture is the work-culture and it’s important for all communities to have it.”
Adding further, he said the festival was organised in an opportune time after the harvesting season and lamented that people nowadays are least interested in developing a work-culture but people should not forget that work-culture is important as it will usher in a more meaningful culture.
“Whether it is Sangai festival, Tribal festival or any other festival, it will bring integrity in the state and people should cultivate peace and harmony. People should have a work-culture to bring development, peace, harmony and integrity in the state.”
Dr Chalton Lien Amo, Chairman, Hill Area Committee, was the president while T Manga Vaiphei, Chairman, Manipur Tribal Development Corporation was the guest of honour on the closing day.