IMPHAL, April 18: World Heritage Day, in tandem with the observation elsewhere in the world, was also observed in the State today, under the aegis of the Manipur State Archeology, Department of Art & Culture, government of Manipur.
The observation was marked by a `Heritage Tour`™ participated mostly by college and university students, which proceeded in the morning from Kangla to different heritage sites.
`We need concerted effort to bring about awareness among the public to safeguard the tangible cultural heritage of the State`, said Mutua Bahadur, Director of Mutua Museum, who was one of the resource persons of the `Heritage Tour`™ while speaking to this reporter. He lamented that the present effort of the State government in protecting the historical sites is far from satisfactory.
`Most of the sites need facelift; we cannot be satisfied with the present arrangement of giving mere roofs to the monuments. Display boards describing the importance of the site and protective barriers, which would not at the same time spoil the essence of the monuments is urgently needed`, he said before adding that we can learn from the neighbouring country Myanmar in this aspect.
S Dinamani, Superintendent of the State Archeology, who led the tour expressing his happiness on the large turnout of students, said that it is important for the younger generation to know about their cultural heritage. He added that the State Archeology is always ready to team up with the students if they are interested. `There can be more educational programmes like seminars and workshops with the young students, we are always ready`, he said.
Prof L Kunjeshori Devi, of Manipur University, who was also a resource person of the tour, speaking to IFP said that it is worrying that the present generation lack awareness of the State`™s cultural heritage. `So in collaboration with the State Archeology, we have decided to reach out to the students for a guided tour on this day`, she said.
Babita Kamei, a student of History of MU chipped in that she feels elated taking part in the tour. `I had visited the sites in the past but a guided tour with experts is a rewarding experience`, she said.
Associate Prof Pechimayum Prabhabati of Modern College opined that the government must be generous in increasing its financial allocation in protecting and promoting the sites. `We also have to be aware of the challenges of the time`, she said.
Jonathan Haokip, a student of Modern College, who has never visited such sites earlier shared that the tour was a refreshing experience. `We look forward to such tour more in the future as well`, he added.
It may be mentioned that the tour covered places like Konthoujam Lairembi, Leishangkhog, Ningel Village and Andro Village, where there are inscribed stones. Students were seen having lively discussions with the resource persons during the tour.
The tour culminated with a film release, `Kangla`™, a documentary directed by A Syam Sharma, produced by Manipur Film Development Society. It was released by K Radhakumar Singh, Secretary Art & Culture, Government of Manipur.