DIPR
IMPHAL: A two days celebration of 100 years of Manipuri Dance in Santiniketan and Festival of Dance-Drama was inaugurated by Governor and Chairperson of JNMDA Dr. Najma Heptulla at the Auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA), Imphal on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, Governor said it’s a privilege for her to be in the midst at the celebration of 100 years of introduction of Manipuri Dance at Santiniketan and observance of 44 years of Foundation Day of the Production Unit of the Academy. She also congratulated distinguished Artistes who have kept the State’s great cultural traditions high. The Production Unit of this Academy has produced more than 40 Dance-Dramas which is really praiseworthy.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, a National Institution, the first of its kind in India for Manipuri Dance was established in the year 1954 under the patronage of late Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru with the sole objective of preserving and disseminating Manipuri culture such as dance, music, dance-drama not only within the country but in overseas too.
Governor further stated that the occasion is indeed historic, auspicious and joyous as the Academy achieves the first milestone completing 100 years of introduction of Manipuri Dance in Santiniketan, a prestigious learning centre of the country and the world. Artistes from this State have given innumerable shows in our country and abroad and have brought commendation and recognition from various parts of the country as well as overseas. Manipur is today popularly known to the world through her rich performing arts and culture and not through her geographical position and size.
Governor said the revival of performing arts and their massive propagation through mass media and cultural exchange on a large scale shall impart a cultural dimension to the forging of National Integration. In these days, when the separatist tendencies raise their head in various parts of India, we can chalk out an intensive programme of mass cultural intervention with performing arts acting as Transmission Bridge between the Government and the people. She is confident that the Academy’s endeavour to keep producing various Dance-Dramas as well as new performing arts so that the Academy will be able to disseminate message to the people of the country as a whole for bringing peace and harmony in the society.
In his presidential speech, Prof. H. Tombi Singh, Vice-Chairman, JNMDA said Manipuri Dance has unique features which are so well developed and wish the artistes would more significant contribution in the production unit.
The occasion was attended by Scholars, artistes and students of the JNMDA among others.
