Cultural Imbroglio in Manipur

It is quite unfortunate that a reputed premier Institute like Jawahar Lal Nehru Manipur Dance Akademi, Imphal ( JNMDA) is in doldrum for vested interest of an inexperience Director. In a melodramatic style the Director (i/c) Shri Bilash Pukhrambam, JNMDA called for a press conference in JNMDA campus to announce that “ JNMDA will not have any link with Manipur Culture University” published in local newspaper at Imphal on 1st December, 2020). The very first question that arises in our mind is that is the Director authorise to do so? On what ground he has declared such a decision creating enmity within the dance fraternity of Manipur. This is something which has never happened before. The matter which should have been sorted out through official correspondence escalated to the extent of press conference creating panic and confusion amongst the students whose career is in stake. Whether a Diploma or a Degree Course is eligible or not has to be depend on whether JNMDA has acquired such approval from UGC or not. JNMDA, Manipur was formed as a unit of Sangeet Natak Akademi along with Kathak Kendra, New Delhi in 1964 as institutions of dance. Sangeet Natak itself was reconstituted as the Society and registered under Societies Registration Act of 1860, presently an autonomous body of the Ministry of Culture. In its aim and objective Sangeet Natak Akademi , the first point is to coordinate with the activities of State Academies of music, dance and drama. The Director is completely working against the mandate of JNMDA and Sangeet Natak Akademi at large. On what ground the courses of JNMDA should be recognised by a University, which has to follow UGC guidelines. Are the courses taught in JNMDA approved by UGC? If yes, the Director needs to show it to the public. On the behest of the Director, Senior Octogenarian Gurus were called out from their house to take part in the press conference called by him in JNMDA campus, which is really uncalled for during this pandemic (Covid 19) time. This clearly shows vested interest and his erroneous assumption on the matter.
Each Institution/ University and its rules and regulations should be respected for the for quality education. The Director (I/c) through his statement in local newspapers claiming that the Asstt. Professors and other Lecturers working in the Department of Dance and Music , Manipur University are through the diplomas they got from JNMDA . This should be checked and corrected if any wrongdoings are involved in the recruitment of Asstt. Professors in the Department. During the time of recruitment MU has clearly mentioned the eligibility criteria as Masters in the relevant/ Concern subject. How many amongst the Asstt. Professors selected for the Central University Post fulfilled the required eligibility criteria ? . The field of performing arts is totally different from other streams as it involved lots of physical training too. How could a Master Degree holder in Manipuri Literature becomes a Dance Teacher ? What will the student learn from this kind of teacher ? . Hence, when we say Masters on the relevant / concern subject, for the performing art, the masters degree should be strictly for performing arts not any other subject. On the other hand, the mandate of opening Manipuri Dance Department at Manipur University or Opening up of Manipur Culture University is to promote and preserve Dances of Manipur not other form of dance. Hence, the expertise field of a teacher should confine only to Dances of Manipur only not any other form of dance.
An enquiry committee should be form by the administration of Manipur University to counter check the eligibility criteria of the recruitment of Asstt. Professors on the date of submission their application for the post , as the Director , JMNDA has opened up the pandora’s box.
On the other hand, we should respect the rules and regulation followed by Manipur Culture University, as it is a newly formed University and has lots of prospects for the future developments of the dances of Manipur. MCU should strictly follow the terms and conditions of UGC for any kind of admission criteria / syllabus and courses involved. The matter should be sorted out through official correspondence without violence, instead of declaration through media without knowing the in dept knowledge of the situation.
Manipuri Dance is a world-famous dance and one of the oldest Indian Classical Dance. JNMDA is an institute which has produced many of the great dancers of Manipur. Hence, It’s reputation needs to be safeguarded by strictly following its mandated activities rather bringing imbroglio in JNMDA campus.