DIPR
Imphal, May 10 : Culture encompasses our language, cuisine, dance, music and arts, etc. and we should preserve our culture for the future generation, said Works/Power/Commerce and Industries/Information and Public Relations/Rural Development and Panchayati Raj/AR &Training Minister Shri Thongam Biswajit Singh on Wednesday.
Biswajit was speaking as the Chief Guest at the third day celebration of the Maring Paaryao-Thillai (A Cultural Festival) cum Indigenous Heritage Village Lil Thallung Bun at Lhikbung Machi, Machi Sub-division.
He said that Manipur is inhabited by different communities and we get to see unique cultures and traditions of the different communities. He said that if the Meitei community is known for its handloom products, the Maring tribe is also known for making ‘Thumok’ (cane and bamboo basketry).
Promoting the idea of unity among the different communities, the Minister said that we may have different languages, dialects, culture, tradition, religion, etc., but, we should always remember that “we belong to one human race”. We should cooperate with one another to bring development in the State, he said.
Observing that there can be no peace without unity, the Minister said that we should bridge the gap of mistrust and communication amongst the communities residing together in the State.
“Today, we also get some fulfilment in knowing that the attempts of the government to bridge the gap have started showing positive results”, he said.
Biswajit said that the State government cannot declare a Heritage Site, however, the State government can develop tourists spots in the area and convert the village into a Tourist destination.
He asked the concerned local authorities to submit a formal application for the same so that he may take up the issue with the Chief Minister and the concerned Tourism department.
Further in his speech, Biswajit Singh also asked whether the people are getting the benefits of the government schemes implemented for the welfare of the people.
Expressing concern on the deforested hill slopes along the way to the village, the Minister said that crop plantation like maize can be taken up along the deforested hill slopes after properly identifying the suitable crops. He said that the plantation which could be undertaken under the buy-back policy of the government could help in improving the economy of the village and its people.
Biswajit also explained various government schemes including the UJALA Yojana, SAUBHAGYA, PMAY(G) etc.
The celebration was also attended by Tengnoupal MLA Shri D.Korungthang, district officials, village leaders among others.
Cultural dances and songs were also performed as part of the function. On their arrival at the village, the dignitaries were accorded a warm traditional welcome by the villages.
