Dimapur, Oct. 23 (EMN): Manipur chief minister, N Biren Singh, has announced to develop sacred place of worship practised by the Manipuris in the 19th Century at Mathura in Uttar Pradesh by transforming it into a place of pilgrimage.
Biren stated this 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 on October 23.
Biren informed that 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. Biren has 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.
Also speaking on the occasion, art and culture minister, L Jayantakumar, said that the Manipur University of Culture had received recognition from UGC. He said the university would be able to educate Nata Sankirtana as a subject to the young generation and propagate it to the world.
CAF and PD minister, Karam Shyam, remembered Maharaja Bhagyachandra’s contribution in the promotion of Manipuri culture.
The chief minister also presented Leimapokpam Herachandra Ningshing Mana to Nata Guru Shri Kshetrimayum Amuyaima Singh at the function. The award carries a cash prize of INR 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.
