IMPHAL, October 21 `Theatre plays a major role in shaping the development of a society,` Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said while speaking as the chief guest at the observance of Manipur Theatre Day at the Manipur Dramatic Union today. National Awardees were felicitated as well as Theatre Centre Awards were presented during the observation which was organised by Theatre Centre, Manipur.
Gaikhangam urged the people to support the theatre movement of the State and appreciated the role played by theatre in informing the people about various issues starting from the family to the political level.
In the State, several communities with different cultures reside and those cultures are showcased through various art forms, he said, adding culture and art coexist.
`Culture is the ambassador of peace, love and harmony`, he said.
Pointing out that books also play a vital role in shaping a society, he however maintained that while books provide information to people; cinema and drama transform the society.
He also donated a sum of Rs 50,000 to the Theatre Centre Manipur.
Speaking as a guest of honour, Thongju MLA Thongam Bishwajit said even if both arts & culture and sports bring name and fame to the State, the government give more emphasis to sports by neglecting arts & culture.
The government needs to keep an eye on arts and culture too, he added.
He appealed the State government to take up some positive steps for art & culture and also for the welfare of those people, who have dedicated their lives to preserve, promote and develop the art & culture of the State. The Thongju MLA donated a sum of Rs 10,000 to Theatre Centre Manipur.
Theatre Centre Manipur chairperson Wareppa Naba also attended the function as president.
Floral tributes were paid to the portrait of S Lalit Singh at the beginning of the function which was followed by felicitation of National Awardees, 2014. They were B Jugolchandra Sharma, Wareppa Naba- Natya Ratna. Later, Theatre Centre Awards namely the Lalit Ningsing Khudol was presented to P Ibohal Singh while Kh Ranabir Singh received the Cosmo Award even as the Nungshi Award was garnered by Nandakumar Moirangthem.