IMPHAL, April 11: The Cuban Ambassador to India, MA. Ramirez Romos stated that he will serve as an ambassador of Shumang Leela to Cuba while attending the 10th foundation day of Shumang Leela, as the chief guest.
The foundation day was held today at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen. As a mark of the observation the Thokchom Iboyaima Award for the year 2011 was also distributed to artist.
Ph. Gunachandra Singh, president committee of Shumang Leela Shanglen attended the function as functional president while Dr. M. Nara, former minister and the ambassador’s wife Rosa Margarita Alvarez Casanova as the guest of honour respectively.
Further in his chief guest speech, the ambassador revealed that he did not hesitate to accept the invitation of Dr. M. Nara to attend the foundation day of the Shumang Leela. The reason behind this is due to the importance and role play by the Shumang Leela, he said.
The ambassador revealed that similar theater play is being performed in Cuba. The paly is performed place to place with its main objective of spreading message of transformation of the society.
At the same time, the ambassador further maintained that Cuba has strong connection with India especially Manipur. `There is no difference when Cuba is compare with Manipur, both the people has rich art and culture, potential in sports, Performance in education. said the Cuban Ambassador.
He expressed his delight on knowing Manipur as the Cuba of India when it comes to sports. He informed that he will also serve as an ambassador of Shumang Leela to Cuba and implied that with many similarities among the two Nation, Cuba will surely become a second home for Manipur.
While delivering his speech, Dr. M. Nara enlighten gathering that the declaration of Shumang Leela Day on 2002 was not a mere declaration. He said that it was declared on April 12 for its importance for marking the beginning of peaceful movement during the time.
Shumang Leela not only spread message to the society of Manipur but to the entire globe. It is an instrument to echo the cause of Manipur especially the culture, said Dr. M. Nara. He claimed that the Shumang Leela day has drawn the tie between Cuba and Manipur closer. Although Cuba has small population of about 1.2 million but it have supremacy on sports especially boxing. Besides that Education and Medical is another thing to be learned from the Nation, said the former minister.
We need to support the cause of Cuba adding he appealed the Cuban ambassador to be the messenger for Manipuri culture.
Moreover Dr. M. Nara also sought for help to the ambassador to sent boxing coach to Manipur.
In the meantime, the president of the Shumang Leela Committee announced to ban Shumang Leela artist organization from performing if they defy the newly revived code of conduct of the Shumang Leela.
The Thokchom Iboyaima Award 2011 was handed over to senior artist Laishram Jugeshor by the Ambassador. The awards includes a cash prize of rupees 10,000 donated by the bereaved family of late Iboyaima along with a citation and shawl.
Gifts were also presented to families of late senior artist and also to the ambassador and his wife, donors of the Shumang Leela Shanglen construction as a mark of honour.
Presentation of dance entitled `Nachom` performed by Shumang Leela artist, a Shumang Leela play called `Election` marked the foundation day celebration.
Earlier in the morning the ambassador and wife along with Dr. M. Nara also took part in the Nationa Seminar on Women in Science and Social Science in NE India (WSNED), 2011 held at Imphal College. Besides that, Principal of Imphal College, RC. Haomom teachers and staffs of the college took part in the seminar.
An interaction programme of status of women, Education, health in Cuba was held.
Altogether 160 delegates comprising of students and teachers from several university of the North Easter Region attended the seminar.
The seminar was organized by Imphal College in collaboration with GP Women College Imphal under the sponsorship of University Grants commission, Directorate of Higher Education and Technical Government of Manipur.
