The Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) on Friday demanded inclusion of Manipuri Performing Art (MPA) as an optional paper in class IX and X of BOSEM. It also demanded introduction of Manipur’s Sagol (Pony) riding as mandatory co-curricular activities and practical of MPA & Thang-Ta in schools.
In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Education Minister Th Basanta Kumar Singh, DESAM stated that as a matter of policy of the state government as well as follow up action of NEP 2020, optional paper of MPA may be introduced in the school from class IX-X standards to enable the students to understand and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of their state.
The Manipur Pony Conservation and Development Policy also encourages introducing pony riding to students so as to popularise pony among the youth of the state, DESAM stated.
The National Education Policy 2020 of India focuses on different aspects which would promote language and culture of every community, it mentioned.
In NEP (4.31), local contents and flavor are clearly mentioned to incorporate in the school curriculum, it added. In UPSC (IAS), the main examination paper of Manipuri, there are units on performing arts, such as, Lai Haraoba, Maha Rasa, Indigenous games like Sagol Kangjei, Khong Kangjei, Kang, Legend, Folk-tale etc. However, many of our students are quite unaware of the performing arts, it mentioned.
Therefore, an optional paper on Manipuri Performing Arts may be introduced in a phase-wise manner in High School and Higher Secondary level in order to provide the students a sense of identity, belongingness as well as an appreciation of other cultures and identities, it added.
