Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla said that dance and music symbolizing joys and jubilation of generations hold the imprints of their long social and cultural history and tradition.
Dr Najma Heptulla was speaking at the inaugural function of 65th foundation day observation and three-day cultural programme of the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) in Imphal on Monday.
Dr Heptulla stated that JNMDA was the first dance Institute established in the north-eastern region and has grown into a premier Manipuri dance institute of the country. Initially established as Manipur Dance College, the institution received a major contribution from the Prime Minister’s fund during prime ministership of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Later, it was renamed to its present name in his memory after his demise.
JNMDA has grown tremendously and has produced many eminent artistes and exponents contributing to the rich cultural spectrum of the State. The Academy imparts different levels of courses in various dance forms of Manipur and the production unit has performed creditably by producing outstanding dance dramas, widely acclaimed not only in the country but internationally also, she added.
Expressing the confidence that the Institute will not only continue to bring out the best in Manipuri culture but will also pursue various issues relating to it in the world of modern art and culture, she said the artistes and artisans of every generation have interpreted them from different perspectives resulting in value addition which has further enriched the tradition.
Vice chairman Prof H Tombi (Retd) who presided over the inaugural function said that the academy is aiming to establish research and documentation centre to facilitate proper documentation of the rich cultural heritage of the State.
Two books depicted by Haobam Ibochouba and A Chiteshwar Sharma were also released during the day’s event.
On the other hand, the Governor distributed gold medals and certificates to the Academy students for the year 2018-19 to Oinam Madanamohan Singh, Leichombam Sapana Devi, Maisnam Pari Meetei, Naorem Chanu Leisembi and Laikhuram Monika Devi.
A solo dance by the gold medalists was also performed during day’s programme as part of the opening function of the three-day cultural programme which is scheduled to continue till Wednesday.