IMPHAL, June 16: The 16th Foundation Day celebration of the Anji Cultural Academy cum certificates distribution function of a two-month training on Pung Eshei and Potlei Setpa under financial assistance of the Sangeet natak Academy, New Delhi was held today at the Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound.
The function was attended by deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam as chief guest, Thanga MLA T Mangibabu Singh as president and ex minister Dr M Nara, ex minister Bijoy Koijam as guests of honour.
Speaking at the function Gaikhangam said that one should know the importance of culture because it signifies identity and wealth of one’s own community.
He said one may choose one’s own religion, but that doesn’t mean that one has to forget his or her culture. Infact one should always try to preserve their unique cultures and identity.
Congratulating the academy on the successes it has achieved and wishing for success in the future, the deputy Chief Minister donated Rs 20000 to the Anji Culture Academy.
In his speech, Dr M Nara said politics divide friendship, while culture maintains friendship.
He said culture not only means the forms of dance and music of a civilisation, but it also includes the ways and manners of the human being.
Bijoy Koijam said through culture, people can express and show their unique identity to the rest of the world.
Culture should be preserved, he said before stressing on the need to preserve culture in its originality.
Elaborating on the need to encourage uniformity by the people in practising their culture, he said designs and patterns of traditional attires should be uniform and there is no necessity to fuse traditional and cultural dresses with western culture.
