IMPHAL, November 11: The Governor of Manipur, Gurbachan Jagat has inaugurated the main performance of the Bhagyachandra National Festival of Classical Dance 2011 today at Govindajee Temple complex, Kangla fort, Imphal.
While addressing the gathering the Governor complimented the organizers and welcomed all the artistes especially those coming from outside the state.
He said dance and music which are an integral part of culture and tradition of any civilization have developed through the ages and are a part and parcel of human life. Claiming that historical records indicate that several centuries before the birth of Christ all theatrical arts of India were already developed, today`s dance is the result of the past one century of activity.
“An entire cycle, a rise or fall, is easily within this generation`s memory. It should be the bounden duty of the present generation to preserve and promote the Indian dances”.
The Governor recalled that the idea of organizing the Bhagyachandra Dance Festival was conceived during 1989 with a high ambition of placing the festival on the cultural map of India in the line of much acclaimed Konark and Khajuraho festivals.
“I hope that the national festival organized in memory of a celebrated King of Manipur, Bhagyachandra, who had completely renounced the materialistic world and has been most popularly known as Rajarshri Bhagyachandra and was an exponent of Manipuri classical dance, will prove to be the silken thread to bind the people of Manipur with those of the other parts of the country and also one of the key factors for national understanding and integration”.
The Governor further asserted that the festival is an opportunity for the participants for displaying their talents and also to meet together and exchange their ideas and experience in their respective fields.
He further observed that the festival will go a long way towards preservation and promotion of Manipur`s cultural heritage.
Further during the inaugural function Dr. K. Sobita Devi, director arts and culture, also presented a memento.
Manipuri classical solo presented by Thokchom Ibemubi Devi, Kuchipudi presentation by Vedantam Venkata Naga Chalapathi Rao, Sattriya presentation by Anita Sharma and Manipuri Classical solo presentation by Elam Indira Devi marked today’s inaugural function.