Raising serious concerns that Nata Sankirtan (ritual art form consist of singing, drumming and dancing) is fading out into the oblivion, director in-charge, Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA), P Bilash Singh said that the state should not remain satisfied on Nata Sankirtan being recognised as an intangible heritage by UNESCO but should put more attention in safeguarding this unique art form.
He was speaking at the inaugural function of a three-day long festival of dance and music ‘Nata Sankirtan’ organised by the academy at JNMDA congregation hall on Tuesday.
Attending the function as president Bilash said that Nata Sankirtan was introduced during the reign of Bhagyachandra and recognised as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2013 for its uniqueness.
This art form passed down from generations through the traditional school of Guru–Shishya tradition has been now institutionalised along with the traditional school. However, the art form is heading into oblivion each day, he said.
He continued that the number of students who come to the academy to study Nata Sankirtan has been decreasing. Considering the conditions which the art form is facing now, it is high time to give due importance in promoting it instead of just remaining satisfied on the pride of getting recognised by UNESCO.
Tourism Minister O Lukhoi said that the state is bestowed with rich art and culture and because of these assets the state is being recognised globally. The present generation should play important roles to preserve and promote these assets gifted down by the forefathers.
He also assured to extend his possible support in promoting the rich performing arts of the state.
Tourism Minister Oinam Lukhoi Singh, National Awardee, former director, JNMDA Imphal Dilip Mayengbam; padmashree, retired Pradhan Guru, JNMDA, Imphal S Thanil Singh and director In-charge of the Academy P Bilash Singh attended the inaugural function of the Nata-Sankirtana festival as chief guest, guest of honours and president respectively.
