The event celebrated at the auditorium of Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound, Imphal with Dr. Najma Heptulla, Governor of Manipur gracing the function as the chief guest.
Addressing the function, Dr. Najma Heptulla said that she felt proud of the rich cultural heritage of Manipur and to the recognition given by UNESCO to Sankirtan of Manipur as a World Heritage, which is richly deserved.
The Governor further said that she had written to the office of UNESCO, New Delhi enquiring as to why the Certificate of Recognition is still not issued to Sankirtan even though it was included in the World Heritage in 2013.
She also stressed that she had proposed to create a Research Centre in Manipur University of Culture to formulate a project with a detailed approach paper on documentation of Sankirtan including its historical, sociological, ethno-musical and folkloristic origins.
Speaking as special guest, Titular King, Meidingu Leisemba Sanajaoba said that the two organisations have been organising the International Sankirtan Day since 2014 while facing financial hardships and appealed the government to redress the problem being faced.
The function also showcased cultural programmes which included Guru Vandana, Jhal Cholom, Pung Cholom, Khubak Ishei and others. Mementos were also presented to the Gurus as a token of respect for the service rendered in their respective fields.
Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly, Y. Khemchand, MLA, Yaiskul assembly constituency, Th. Seityabrata Singh, MLA, Kshetrigao Assembly constituency, N. Indrajit Singh, MLA, Naoriya Pakhanglakpa assembly constituency, Soibam Subhaschandra Singh, also attended the function as the president and guests of honour respectively.
Source: Imphal Free Press
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