Doyen of Manipuri cinema and eminent cultural personality Aribam Syam Sharma on Monday stressed upon the need to safeguard and preserve the authentic practices of Manipuri Nata Sankirtan.
“We must understand why it has been recognised as a unique cultural heritage by UNESCO and must take befitting measures to preserve it,” he said.
He was speaking at the Sankirtan Day observation held Shree Shree Ramji Prabhu Mandap.
The observance was jointly organised by Department of Arts and Culture and Manipur Nata Sankirtana Apunba (MANSA).
Syam Sharma maintained that Manipuri Sankirtana was a priceless cultural heritage of not only Manipur but the entire globe.
“UNESCO tagging Nata Sankirtana as a unique cultural heritage is a wake-up call to its practitioners and well wishers to preserve and safeguard Manipuri Sankirtan from unwanted influences,” he said.
He also called upon state authorities to initiated requisite measures to promote and preserve the uniqueness of Manipuri Sankirtana.
“The people also need to how Manipuri Sankirtana got UNESCO’s recognition. True appreciation for the art form will emerge automatically once people understand the sacrifices of Sankirtana practitioners to receive the recognition,” he said.
Meanwhile, commissioner of Art & Culture department M Joy stated that change was inevitable in all aspect of life but we must also recognise the value of preserving ancient values and cultural practices.
“UNESCO recognised Sankirtan for its uniqueness as such all people in Manipur must strive to preserve that uniqueness,” he said.
He highlighted that Manipuri Sankirtana was one among 14 cultural practices from India which are listed in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.
This sort of information needs to introduced in academic syllabus so that awareness about the art form increases among youths, he added.
During the observance MANSA vice president Kh Kriti singh also made a presentation on the topic ‘Changing scenario of Sankirtana in Manipur’.
Sankirtana performance from renowned performers was also showcased during the programme.
Eminent Sankirtan practitioners and Gurus among others were present during the event.
