IMPHAL, January 16: The governor of Manipur, V Shanmuganathan inaugurated Festival of Dance Drama, held in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Production Unit of the Jawaharlal Manipur Dance Academy, JNMDA at its open-air theatre here today evening.
Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Shanmuganathan who is also the Chairman of the academy urged that more young people should be involved in artistic activities, as the state of Manipur has no lack of talents among the youths.
“I see lots of senior artists present here today. Some of them are getting older. Like the parents when they get old, they hand over the responsibilities to their children, in the same manner senior artists must groom more young people and see them grow”, he said.
The Governor pointed out that as the world is getting globalised, the gap between the rich and the poor has also been widening.
He said the artists, writers, dancers and singers who are in the creative field must play an important role in bringing unity among the people of the country.
“I know you have mastered in your fields, you have good knowledge. Please use that energy and knowledge in strengthening the bond of brotherhood amongst the people”, he maintained.
While congratulating the artists of the academy on their achievements, the Governor appealed that any artistic creation must not be isolated from the people.
“I am not an artist, but I have worked among the people. It is important that art should not lose its touch with the people”, he said.
Speaking as the president of the function, Prof H Tombi Singh, who is also the Vice Chairman of JNMDA said that efforts will be made to improve the quality of teaching in the institution. He said there is visible lack of theoretical understanding of the performances.
“The students must know the underlying essence of the artistic performances”, he added.
L Upendro Sharma, director of JNMDA, delivering the welcome address said that the academy which is a constituent unit of Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi is particularly proud to have a host of dedicated artists, writers and musicians who have contributed in glorious journey of the institution.
It may be mentioned that ‘Kabui Keioiba’, enthralled the gathering with its performance on the opening day of the festival. Direction and script of the dance drama is by late RK Priyogopalsana, and written by W Joy.
‘Moirang Sha’ and ‘Bidai Abhishap’ will be staged on the second and third day of the festival respectively. During the function senior artists who have been associated with JNMDA were felicitated by the Governor.