IMPHAL, May 17: Construction of a Cultural University in the State will be started soon, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said addressing the 57th Foundation Day celebration of the Cultural Forum, Manipur today.
The function was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy auditorium.
He said Manipur is a small State, but there are countries which are much smaller than our State and at the same time doing well economically, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said
It is not the size, but the efficiency to work on the available resources which matters, he continued.
With determination and commitment of the people, Manipur although a small State can excel in economic growth, he continued.
Ibobi said the cultural talents of the State`™s artists is an asset for the State and should be protected and preserved.
Our culture is like our looking glass, reflecting our own image. It is not only respected and recognized in the country but throughout the entire world, he asserted.
Manipur is dependent on the Centre, and funds are allocated according to the need of the State, he said.
Funds, as such, need to be utilised according to the priority, he said adding that setting up of a Cultural University in the State is one such top priority.
Construction for the university will be started soon without any delay, he said elaborating further that the setting up of the university was already passed during the State Assembly session and the Governor has already given his assent.
This university will be set up on 250 acres of land which has already been identified, he continued.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh also released a book entitled `Ritu`™ 161-162 issue during the function.
The function was also attended by State Works minister Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh and The Cultural Forum, Manipur president Prof Naorem Khagendra Singh.
Sahitya Akademi and National Awardees were felicitated by the Chief Minister and the cultural forum lifetime achievement award was also handed over to the awardee during the function.
Earlier in the day, a symposium on Manipuri Waree Machagi Khutee was also held which was attended by PDA chairman T Mangibabu Singh and The Cultural Forum, Manipur president prof. Naorem Khagendra Singh.