Manipur needs to showcase its cultural wealth to outside world: Governor Heptulla

Manipur Governor Dr. Najma A. Heptulla has said that Manipur needs to showcase its cultural wealth to the outside world, at Raj Bhawan in Imphal.

The Governor addressing the Sankalp Parva " Sankalp se Siddhi" function organised by the Song and Drama Division, Imphal Centre, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India further encouraged and suggested the artists of the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy and the Manipur University of Culture to perform more frequently outside the state.

She said that the Sankalp Parva is an initiative under the 'Sankalp Se Siddhi' movement which is the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reforming the nation under the "New India Movement by making - poverty, filth, corruption, terrorism, communalism and casteism Quit India."

During the function, the Governor along with the other dignitaries and the participants pledged for building a New India - clean, free from poverty, corruption, terrorism, communalism and casteism.

The Governor said that the Sankalp Parva is an important function as it is being heralded as a 360-degree programme to make India modern by 2022.

"Today's youth should understand what price our forefathers' had paid in achieving freedom of India," the Governor said.

Lauding an artiste who performed the song "Ae mere watan ke logon" during today's function, the Governor said she became nostalgic during the rendition of the song.

Arts and Culture Minister L. Jayentakumar said the reasons for the establishment of a culture university and Manipur State Film and Television Institute in the State is the unique cultural identity of Manipur despite its limited size and resources.

He also said that Manipur needs helping hands from the Union Ministry of Finance in order to exploit the talents of our youth.

Praising the rich tradition and culture of the State Governor Heptulla said, "I love Manipur. There is so much of dance and music here. That's life."

As part of the function, artists of the Song and Drama Division, Imphal Centre performed several cultural items including a group song Vande Mataram, Lai-haraoba, Cheirol Jagoi, Lavani Dance and Dhol Chollom.

Director for song and Drama Division, Anurag Mishra was also present on the occasion.

-ANI