IMPHAL October 24: The Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL) held the State level annual conference on Umanglai Haraoba at Manipur Film Development Corporation hall today amidst a huge participation from the local populace.
The Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh graced the function as the chief guest.
While appreciating the initiative of the UKAL he emphasized on the importance of preserving the traditional heritage including belief of the people.
UKAL`™s efforts to preserve the Umanglai and Maibi Jagoi have been able to revive the withering rich tradition of the land, he said.
`This is our pride and we showcase it to all the visiting dignitaries as our cultural identity and our rich legacy.`
`Laiharaoba displays the ingrained peace and harmony among communities,` he stated.
He also stressed the need to maintain a secular worldview as `we dovetail with other faiths in the State.`
`The Indian Constitution upholds the secular principle in order to allow all the different religious faiths to coexist in peace and respect` the Chief Minister said.
However he also implored the audience of the land`™s past, before the arrival and convergence of many to Hinduism and Christianity.
`I wonder what the authentic faith of our forefather some three centuries ago was. Perhaps there was a more inclusive worship and celebration among the people of the valley and the hills` he said.
The Cultural University bill has received the accent of the Governor, he said.
We intent to preserve and promote and build the synergy of all the cultures of the State, irrespective of the hills and the valley through this institution, he added.
Let us explore the feasibility of incorporating UKAL as a part of these, he said.
Four awards were also handed by the Chief Minister on the occasion namely Best Amaiba to Uritkhinbam Tompok Meitei, Best Pena Player to Potsangbam Rajen Meitei, Best Amaibi to Wahengbam Priya Leima and Best Lai Haraoba Lai Thougal Lup to Iputhou Sorarel Lai Commmittee, Kakmayai.
During the function, UKAL added two more people to the 15 veterans it already sponsors under its Pension Package.
The two are Maisnam Apabi Luwang and Ch Amar Machang.
A publication titled `Lai Haraobagee Kanglon Ahumsuba Saruk`™ was also released on the occasion by the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh. Wangkhei Panthou was also declared as an Umanglai site.
Five persons were also felicitated on the occasion. They are Loitongbam Iboyaima, O Binarani Devi, Y Shyamlal Singh, Chongsabam Premananda and H Jiten Singh.
Social Welfare minister, Ak Mirabai Devi also expressed concern over the modified traditional dance moves, `Traditional dance moves are losing their originality and modern fusion is compromising the quality,` she said.
K Radhakumar, secretary, Department of Art& Culture GoM, emphasizing on the importance of documentation of our traditional practices said translation from the existing archaic language and further translation to other languages will encourage scholars to delve further on the subject.
`This will also prevent unnecessary verbal feud over different interpretations of our practices` he said.
He said owing to a Supreme Court`™s directive, the State do have constrains in its supports especially in declaring certain sacred places as Protected Sites.
Ng Kangjiya Mangang, Retd. Principal; T Mangibabu Singh, chairman PDA Manipur and K Meghachandra Singh, Parliamentary Secretary MI&DIPR were also present as dignitaries.