IMPHAL | Dec 24 : Closing function of 26th Imphal Book Fair, 2017 was held today at DM college of Commerce ground. The book fair was organised by State Central Library, Department of Arts and Culture and dedicated to Mahakavi Hijam Angahal Singh.
Speaking as chief guest on the closing function, commissioner of PWD, CAF and PD and IPR, K. Radhakumar Singh said that pension plan for artist should be imposed because without supporting artists, art and culture of the state will never have further development.
He said that art and culture of the state is playing a major role in showing the identity of the state to the world. He mentioned that one of the Sumang Leela artists, popularly known as Keirao Rajen, is currently struggling with his life with half paralysed body. He has been serving the society in the field of theatre through Sumang Leela. There are many other artists who are still struggling with their lives at the time of old age and bad health condition, and government should take necessary steps like pension plan to support them individually, he added.
As president of the function, director of Arts and Culture, K. Sushila said that Act and Rules of state archives was passed in 2000 and imposed in 2002 but still the Act is not enforced. The government should make the act compulsory. Moreover, Manipur Public Library Act and Manipur University Act have passed and implemented but there is no room for the Acts in the state, she added.
She continued that comparing with the last year, this year’s book fair is reaching more success as larger number of people came. The government should inspect district libraries regularly on the basis of infrastructure and availability of books in order to give the benefit of library to the public, she added.
The function was also attended by principal of DM College of Commerce, Ph. Ibomcha Sharma as guest of honour.
Source: Imphal Free Press
