Manipur observed the 35th Manipuri Language Day in Imphal with a call to protect indigenous languages, while Minister Govindas pledged efforts for Classical Language recognition.
Imphal, August 20: The 35th Manipuri Language Day was observed at the J.N. Manipur Dance Academy Auditorium in Imphal on Thursday with a call to preserve and promote the linguistic and cultural heritage of Manipur.
The state-level celebration was held under the theme “State Song ‘Sana Leibak Manipur’ for Peace, Unity & Integrity.” It was organised by the Manipuri Language Day State Level Celebration Committee in collaboration with the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA), Imphal, a constituent unit of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi.
Minister for Home and Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of Manipur, Govindas Konthoujam, attended the programme as the Chief Guest. MLAs Sorokhaibam Rajen Singh and Karam Shyam attended as Guests of Honour, while Aribam Shyam Sharma, composer of the State Song “Sana Leibak Manipur,” was the Special Guest.
Former Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Education Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh presided over the function.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Govindas Konthoujam stated that language is an important part of a people's identity and pride. He observed that language goes beyond communication, carrying the identity, culture, history and civilisation of a community.
He stressed the need to preserve, promote and develop the indigenous languages of Manipur, describing the state's linguistic diversity as an important cultural heritage.
The Minister called for collective efforts involving different sections of society to safeguard the state's linguistic heritage for future generations.
He also emphasised the importance of strengthening academic and cultural initiatives related to language by involving scholars, academicians, cultural organisations and concerned communities.
According to the Minister, appropriate government policies and programmes are also necessary to support the preservation and development of languages and cultural traditions.
He further noted that language carries the history, knowledge, traditions and collective memory of a community and urged stakeholders to work together to protect and promote Manipur's linguistic heritage.
A key announcement at the programme was the government's intention to pursue recognition of Manipuri as a Classical Language.
Minister Govindas stated that the government would make efforts to secure Classical Language recognition for Manipuri before next year's Manipuri Language Day.
He also appealed to the public to extend their support and cooperation towards the effort.
The celebration featured discussions on the role of cultural and public institutions in promoting Manipuri language and culture.
The programme began with a patriotic song presented by AMMIK, followed by a keynote address by Leihaothabam Sharatchandra, Convenor of the Celebration Committee.
Pukhrambam Bilash Singh, Director (in-charge), JNMDA, delivered an address on the “Role of J.N. Manipur Dance Academy in Promoting Manipuri Language and Culture.”
Heikrujam Devendra Singh, Programme Executive, AIR Imphal, spoke on the “Role of Akashvani Imphal in Promoting Manipuri Language and Culture.”
A special address was also delivered by Aribam Shyam Sharma, composer of the State Song “Sana Leibak Manipur.”
The event was attended by a large number of invitees, dignitaries and other participants.
The observance placed particular emphasis on the relationship between language, cultural identity and social unity, in keeping with this year's theme centred on “Sana Leibak Manipur” and the values of peace, unity and integrity.
