IMPHAL, December 31: Manipur has a rich tradition and culture, and a rich collection of songs, starting from the earliest period of its civilisation. There is a need to have a “state song” from this new year onwards and end evil thoughts and unwanted incidents with a new ray of hope and good atmosphere in the state, said Aribam Syam Sharma.
The renowned film maker made the statement during the DMC alumni felicitation evening function held at MFDC Multi Auditorium Hall by the DM College Alumni Association.
Syam Sharma further said that during his college time in the early 1950s, there was not any Manipuri song sung at social gatherings or other functions. However in 1954, students of DM Colleges comprising of individuals who later went on to become famed singers, lyricists, critics, song composers like B Jayentakumar, Nongmaithem Pahari, Pulendro etc got together and churned out modern Manipuri songs one after the another, he stated.
He asserted that it was the beginning of Manipuri modern songs. “Our teachers were very outstanding in their abilities to impart good education and groom the students into becoming luminous persons,” he added. During that time the group with a huge musical inclination began the initiation for formation of Roop Raag which later took a vital role in reshaping the history of Manipuri songs, he said.
He made an appeal to the state administration to choose a ‘State Song’ from among the classic songs that originated when they were students of DM College. “There are some old songs which are in the lips of all Manipuri people, similar to Vande Mataram among sections of people of India.
Chief Minister O Ibobi, who was also a student of DM College, asserted that the college is not only a premier institution in Manipur but in the entire north-east region as well. The college has produced many eminent leaders and personalities in different fields, not only in Manipur but in the neighboring states, he stated.
He said that there is a need to maintain the reputed status of the DM College, adding that soon the college will be upgraded to a State University. The chief minister raised concern over the land holdings by other groups inside the DM College compound. He said since THAU Ground is inside the DM College campus, what is the harm in calling it DM College Ground instead of its current name. In this regard he appealed to the residents of Thangmeiband area and THAU to extend their cooperation as the only difference will be in the name.
He further suggested the relocation of the temple of Khunthok Hanbi inside the campus to another alternate site if there is no objection from any quarters. About the AMSU head quarter located inside the campus, Ibobi said the union had stood for quality education but if possible the building can be shifted in the larger interest of the college becoming a university. If agreed, the government will provide appropriate space and building for AMSU by any means, he added.
The chief minister also announced that eviction of encroachment inside the campus will be conducted. He added that the guest house proposed by the DM College Alumni Association must maintain proper objectives and the prescribed guidelines and rules for such facilities.
Education minister M Okendro said that within 10 years DM College will be upgraded to a state University and be counted among the 200 universities setup in the country under RUSA of Ministry of Human Resources, Government of India. He requested public support in the eviction drive to be conducted inside the college compound.
Among the other celebrity alumni were Gaikhangam, MP Th Meinya and MLA T Mangibabu.