Famed Manipuri folk singer Mangka, known for her vibrant, captivating voice, broke down in tears during a performance at Gujarat, over the prevailing violence which has escalated in the state with no end in sight.
During a show at Ahmedabad on Wednesday, the Manipuri folk singer, called for peace and justice to the unending violence in Manipur and urged everyone to pray for the strife-torn state.
Dedicating a song to ‘Ema’ (Mother), terming it as ‘The Cry of a Mother’, Mangka briefed the anguish of the many mothers of Manipur, whose hopes have been crushed, grieving the loss of their children.
‘Emas are crying for their departed children’, she said, while the crews of her band played subtle music in the background, evoking a melancholic mood among the audience.
The song, painting the profound grief of a Mother, longing for her lost children, combined with Mangka’s rich and emotional voice filled the room, connecting with the audience and leaving them captivated. Mangka also led the audience in observing 1 minute silence, praying for peace in Manipur.
Mangka, Oja Mangangsana Marjing Laihui Imphal and Jharkhand-based folk singer Megha Dalton along with Gujarat’s Vishwagaram, a group of volunteers have held shows and are set to perform in various places in Gujarat.
Performances were held at Gujarat Vishvakosh Trust, Ahmedabad City on November 19; at Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad City on November 20 and Bhavnagar City, Saurashtra Region on November 21.
They also held a show at Lokbharti (Gandhian Institute) Sanosara Region on Friday and are further set to perform at Rajkot City, Saurashtra Region on November 23 and the last show at Bhuj City, Kutch Region on November 24.
