A one-day Consultation on Art-Based Therapy cum Convergence Meeting of Juvenile Justice Stakeholders was held today at the Conference Hall of the Department of Social Welfare. The programme was organised by the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) with the objective of exploring culturally rooted therapeutic practices for Internally Displaced (IDP) children affected by the ongoing crisis in the State.
The consultation brought together eminent Resource Persons, including Guru Rewben Mashangva – Tangkhul Folk Artist, Reverend Simon Raomai – President, All Manipur Christian Association, Dr. Leban Sarto – Peace Educator, Smt. Konsam Indira – Meitei Eshei Artist, Thokchom Shamu – Meitei Pung Performer and Dr. B. Deben Sharma – Convenor, Interfaith Forum Manipur
IDP children from Sajiwa Relief Camp and THAU Ground Relief Camp participated in the programme. The children showcased folk songs and dance performances, reflecting their resilience, inner talents, and the potential of traditional art forms to provide hope, confidence and self-healing even in displacement settings.
Speaking during the interaction, Guru Rewben Mashangva emphasised that folk arts, music, and storytelling possess inherent healing qualities that can positively support traumatised children. Dr. Leban Sarto highlighted the importance of incorporating children’s curriculum for climate action , including for IDP children, and urged MCPCR to take this initiative forward.
The programme was also attended by the Chairpersons of the Child Welfare Committees (CWC) of Imphal East and Imphal West, and the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) of Imphal West.
In his remarks, Keisam Pradipkumar, Chairperson, MCPCR, underscored that while clinical and medical interventions are essential for mental health and psychosocial support, it is equally important to explore indigenous folk art traditions as sustainable therapeutic tools. He stressed the need for collaboration with local experts, artists and cultural practitioners to create culturally grounded and long-term healing mechanisms for affected children.