Newmai News Network IMPHAL | OCTOBER 23 Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said that the State Government will develop "the sacred place," where Manipuri pilgrims used to perform sacred rituals and religious practices in the 19th Century at Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. He conveyed the Government’s plan while speaking as the chief guest at the Silver Jubilee celebration of Guru Kirtana Seva organised by Gulapi Nata Sankirtana Academy at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound in Imphal East district today. Disputes with some private parties regarding the said plot of land at Mathura had been settled recently with the intervention of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister informed. Stating that the new Government believes in action, Biren sought suggestions from gurus and scholars to develop and promote Manipuri Nata Sankirtana, which had been included in the Representative List of UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Art and Culture Minister L Jayantakumar and CAF and PD Minister Karam Shyam also attended the function as the functional president and guest of honor respectively. Jayantakumar said that the Manipur University of Culture had received recognition from UGC. Now the new varsity would be able to educate Nata Sankirtana as a subject to the young generation and propagate it to the world, he added. In his speech, Karam Shyam remembered Maharaja Bhagyachandra’s contribution in the promotion of Manipuri culture. Artistes and Gurus of different art forms have been carrying on this legacy of rich cultural heritage, he added. The Chief Minister also presented Leimapokpam Herachandra Ningshing Mana to Nata Guru Kshetrimayum Amuyaima Singh at the function. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 20,000, a citation and a shawl. Earlier, the Chief Minister led the gathering in paying floral tributes to the late Gurus of Nata Sankirtana.
