IMPHAL | May 13: Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar said that literature and culture along with dance and music can play a key role in bringing emotional integration in the State.
Addressing at the 82nd Annual Convention of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Imphal at Chandrakirti auditorium, Palace Compound here today, Joykumar said, literature, art and culture can reflect everything in the society. People from all walks of life should know the culture and traditions of all the communities living together in the State, he said.
He further said that we are proud of having more than two thousands year old rich Manipuri literature but only a few people know its importance and beauty. To further develop the aged old literature and its beauty the present generation should work towards disseminating it to the future generations, he emphasised.
He also suggested the inclusion of folklore, folk dance and martial arts in the school curriculum as optional subjects so that younger generations could learn and appreciate them from a young age.
Joykumar also announced to institute “Yumnam Kesho Singh Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award in Literature, Art & Culture” in the name of his father from this year onwards. The award carries a cash of rupees one lakh, a certificate and a plaque.
Education minister Th Radheshyam while speaking at the convention said, every citizen should contribute in their respective fields to the society so that peace, prosperous and stability persist for long.
He said literature has the unique principle to deliver good moral discipline in the society. Therefore, to maintain discipline among ourselves, we should know it and co-operate each other for the rich Manipuri literature to flourish in the days to come, he added.
The deputy Chief Minister along with the Education minister published two books, “Life and Works of Pandit Khelchandra” and “Ningshinghouba Khara Libiramba Khara Pandit Ningthoukhongjam Khelchandra” on the occasion.
A seminar on the topic “Pandit Ningthoukhongjam Khelchandra Bu Nouhouna Masak Leppa” was also organised in commemoration with the birth anniversary of the Pandit. Four resource persons presented papers on the topic.
President of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Imphal Prof Thoidingjam Tombi, president of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Assam Karam Ibungohal and president of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Meghlaya were also present among others in the function.
Source: Imphal Free Press
