Prof Paonam Gunindro, Vice Chancellor of Manipur University of Culture on Sunday suggested the need of setting up of standardised institution to preserve and promote Thang Ta, the indigenous martial art form of Manipur.
Addressing the celebration of the 19th foundation day of Kanglei Indigenous Martial Arts and Cultural Society (KIMACS) at Classic Hotel, Gunindro said that one of the performing arts, Thang-Ta, was one of the means to defend from invaders or foreign rulers during British rule. Besides this, it is the identity of Manipur, he said. As such it is essential to give importance in the preservation and promotion of this art form by future generations, he said.
He suggested that introducing this art form in academic lines by setting up proper institutions and to run under appropriate policy are the most feasible means for successful preservation and promotion of this art form.
“Art and culture can’t be preserved properly if artists rely on their source of livelihood in other occupations. It is high time to provide jobs for artists that are suitable to their experience,” he opined while stating the necessity to recruit Thang-Ta artists as teachers in schools and colleges.
Presenting keynote address, secretary general of KIMACS, Thangjam Suraj said that they have been contributing for society from past 19 years in various movements for preservation and promotion of various art and culture of the state strictly abiding their motto “To Maintain Discipline, Unity, Truth, Integrity, Equality and Sacrifice.” Considering Thang-Ta as one of the most neglected performing arts, they give more attention to this art form, he said.
He recalled that after much effort, this art form was finally included in the academic syllabus since 2007. So far it is provided as an optional subject in more than 150 schools in the state and can be pursued at college and university level as higher studies, Suraj informed.
But unfortunately, many students who had studied this art form couldn’t become an artist in search of livelihood. The state government should frame a policy wherein their pursued knowledge and skill can be sharpened, he asserted.
Suraj said KIMACS will request the authorities concerned to include Thang-Ta as an optional subject in the civil service examination conducted by Manipur Public Service Commission.
While seeking moral support and suggestion, he said KIMACS is planning to set up a world class Thang-Ta institution very soon that can even provide this art form as formal education. For this, they welcome any kind of suggestion and moral support, he said.
Other dignitaries who attended the function were director of JN Manipur Dance Academy, Pukhrambam Bilash; president of HEROCON, Longjam Ratankumar and president of KIMACS, Ningthoujam Ajitkumar as guests of honour and president respectively.
