Imphal: The closing ceremony of Manipur Indigenous People’s Cultural Exchange Festival 2024, under the theme ‘Manipur United by Diversity’ was held at Chadong, Kamjong district today. The two-day long festival has been organised by Indigenous People’s Forum Manipur (IPFM), under the aegis of Tourism Department, Government of Manipur.
Th. Biswajit Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Power, Forest, Agriculture, Environment, & Climate Change and Science & Technology attended the event as the Chief Guest. In his address, the Minister stated that the Manipur Indigenous People’s Cultural Exchange Festival 2024, under the theme, Manipur united by diversity, is to unify all the indigenous communities. He expressed his gratitude to the almighty God for bringing us all together safe and sound in this place. He is honoured to be a part of this event which is a platform for sharing and exchanging various cultures, he added.
The Minister further stated that this festival is new yet, it is having its own different charm altogether. Though many could not take part but it is fortunate that such event is being aired in other wider platforms.
As we all are aware that India is a land of diversity. Our State is also known as mini-India, having various kinds of cultural diversification despite of being in the extreme corner of this country, yet having such vibrant cultural conglomeration. The Minister assured that we have been able to carry forward our rich culture by inheriting its own beauty.
Opting to call this festival as ‘ the festival of coexistence and inclusiveness’ as its sub theme, Th. Biswajit hoped that such festival will surely help in accepting and respecting others’ culture as well. This can further help in developing trust and connection among various communities and strengthening the unity and building a feeling of oneness. India being a spiritual heritage Nation, Swami Vivekananda has put it right in his word about tolerance and universal acceptance in all spectra, he added.
The Minister reiterated that it is human’s nature to make mistakes, so the concept of forgive and forget should always be applied to bring in a new and peaceful Manipur through this event. It is only through the cultural exchange of our traditional costumes or attires, dances and folk songs that will surely help in bridging the gaps between many communities. Let us not forget that positivity creates positive response and negativity create negative response. He further appealed all that it is high time not to fall prey to misleading messages. The Minister also suggested that such cultural exchange festivals should be promoted not only in Kamjong district but also to other districts or places to showcase the speciality of each’s places.
As a part of the festival, Souvenir named The Manipur Indigenous People’s Cultural Exchange Festival 2024, was also released by the Chief Guest.
The cultural festival was also attended by MLA Kh. Ibomcha (Chairman MHHDC), Ashang Kasar, President IPFM and high-ranking officials, village heads and villagers among others.
The program began with a welcome song performed by the local women folk and followed by various cultural dances and folk songs performed by various tribes of Manipur. It was later followed by special programmes like meet the stars and musical concerts.
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