IMPHAL, June 22: A book release ceremony was held this afternoon at the JNMDA hall.
The book titled, “Bhungi pareng Makhal Manga” and written by Phanjoubam Iboton was released by Director JNMDA, L Upendra Sharma in the presence of Padmashree S Thanil and Padmashree Thouranisabi Devi.
Addressing the ceremony about his book, writer Iboton said the book is his contribution towards preservation of Nat Sankirtan which is dying fast in today’s society.
The writer continued that he had already written two books earlier and that this will be his third book.
He further added that his third book include songs and lyrics of various Ras Leelas and Nat Sankirtan from the times of Maharaj Bheigyachandra and Maharaj Chandrakirti.
L Upendra Sharma, who attended the ceremony as the chief guest said that we should try to publish or translate the books on Manipuri culture including Lai Haraobas, Ras Leelas, Nat Sankritan, Thangta and others from Manipuri to other languages so that we could expose our culture to the outside world.
Steps must be initiated to expose the Manipuri culture to the outside world, he added.
He said we all have duties towards preserving our cultural identity that has been handed over to us by our ancestors.
Elaborating further in his speech, he said publishing such books on culture and its different entities should be encouraged and be considered as one of our top priorities.
The publishing of such books in recent times is encouraging and all efforts in such issues should be lauded, he added.
Padmashree S Thanil in his presidential speech said that the state is seeing a wane in the numbers of traditional dancers. He added that such books will help draw youngsters towards such dance forms.
The youngsters should also discuss the book so as to understand their own culture and traditions. The book will help the young artiste of the state.
Padmashree Thouranisabi said the book has incorporated the whole of Manipuri cultural and traditional art forms.