JNMDA observes its foundation day

IMPHAL, April 1: The Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) Imphal today observed its 59th foundation day celebration at the Academy’s Auditorium here today.

During the occasion, Thounaojam Shobachandra Singh, Ahongshangbam Priyarani Devi, Chakpram Narendra Singh, and Roshali Rajkumari were awarded Rajyapal Gold Medal, Lourembam Tombi Gold Medal, Guru Gulapi Gold Medal, and Savita N Mehta and Khukhu Sarkar Gold Medals respectively for their dedication to the field of art and culture.

Speaking as chief guest at the occasion, Dr Thokchom Meinya, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha appreciated Tapati Choudhury, Distinguished Dance and Music Critic from Kolkata for attending the celebration.

"JNMDA is a constituent unit of Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi which was established under the vision of Jawaharlal Nehru to bring up the art and culture of the state. Some changes can be noticed of the Academy even though it took time," he added.

He then said it is heard that there has been no change in the budget of Sangeet Natak Akademy and urged the concern of the Governor regarding the matter. Many art forms of the state have been recognized by other states as we have worked on it and we need to keep working on it to preserve these for long, the MP added.

"Our indigenous art forms like martial arts, sagol kangjei, thang-ta, mukna, yubi lakpi etc are our assets in achieving success in many sports," he continued.

Giving the presidential address at the occasion Prof N Tombi Singh, Vice Chairman of JNMDA informed that the academy will be celebrating its diamond jubilee for a complete year at the national level when JNMDA turns 60 years in 2014.

"Many non Manipuris have propagated our dance forms and discussions have been going on how to place our art forms in a global perspective," he added.

Informing that a committee has been formed which has started its exercise to form a conventional structure of Manipuri solo dance and showcase it on the diamond jubilee day, he said that support from people, Gurus, government and the Ministry of Culture is needed for the same.

"Our culture will go extinct if the gurus in the outskirts of the state are not involved in the upkeep of our cultural legacy. The government knows this and is planning to establish a culture university here," he added.