IT News
Imphal, Dec. 4
Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla today graced the function ‘Celebrating Sankirtana of Manipur: India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ as the Chief Guest at the Banquet Hall, 1st MR, Imphal, today. The programme was jointly organized by Intellectual Forum of North East, Department of Sankirtana, Manipur University of Culture, Department of Dance and Music, Manipur University and Manipur Citizen Forum. The function was held to commemorate inclusion of Manipuri Nat Sankirtana in the UNESCO’s intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In her speech as the Chief Guest, the Governor said that State Level Committee of Nata Sankirtana has been observing Sankirtana Day in the State on this auspicious day commemorating induction of Sankirtana Music in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in the sitting of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee in December, 2013.
The Governor further stated that the rich cultural heritage of Manipur is well recognized by the UNESCO and has a respectable presence in the international arena of culture. Manipur is today best introduced to the world through her rich performing arts and culture. It is through the Manipuri culture that the world knows the existence of such a tiny State in this far-flung North Eastern part of the country.
Governor reiterated that Manipuri dance is not the art of Manipur alone, it is also an art of this country as a whole. She said that artistes from this State have already performed thousand shows in our country and several countries overseas and brought commendation and recognition from various foreign countries. The grace and power of attracting viewers’ mind is superb in the elegant Manipuri dance which is a delicately sensitive type of classical dance including Nata Sankirtana music. It is our bounden duty to preserve, nurture and enrich Manipuri culture so that it may continue to enrich the Indian culture, she added.
Senior Journalist B.B. Sharma, in his Key Note address highlighted the origin of Nat Sankirtana and the philosophy of the Sankirtana tradition. Prof. N. Lokendra Singh, Dept. of History, Manipur University & President, NE India History Association deliberated on the topic ‘Safeguarding and Promotion of Sankirtana’ and suggested to take initiative to promote research work in Sankirtana. Noted Gurus were also felicitated as a mark of respect for their dedication in safeguarding and promoting Sankirtana of Manipur.
Dr. Ch. Chandramani Singh, Convener, Manipur Citizen Forum, Distinguished Nata Sankirtana Gurus and Artistes, faculties and staffs of Manipur University of Culture & Manipur University and members of Manipur Citizen Forum and Intellectual Forum of North East attended the function.
