Guv says Shumang Leela is a powerful medium

Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by SPN Editor

Manipur Governor La Ganesan has said that Shumang Leela has become a powerful medium for mass education besides giving entertainment and relaxation. He was speaking as Chief Guest at the inaugural function of 50^th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2021-2022, held on Saturday at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen at Palace Compound.

The Governor said that originally Shumang Leela started as a comic genre presented before the kings and noblemen which ultimately developed into the present form of courtyard enacted play. He said that Shumang Leela groups of those days attempted to preserve and promote humanism, tolerance, confidence, devotion, truth and justice through their performances.

Stating that Shumang Leela has today developed both theatrically and artistically, La Ganesan said that the present day Shumang Leelas have been trying to focus on the issues of moral values, unity and integrity. It has also been trying to strengthen the bond of brotherhood and friendship among various communities in the State. Hence, it acts as a catalyst in bringing peace and harmony in society. It is the responsibility of all of us irrespective of caste, creed, religion and language to preserve and promote the unity and integrity of the State, he added.

The Governor appealed to all sections of the people of Manipur to contribute their best in their respective capacities with sincerity, discipline and confidence for ensuring peace in Manipur so that the State can move towards progress and prosperity. He also thanked Manipur State Kala Akademi (MSKA) for their relentless efforts in organising festivals, exhibitions, seminars, workshops and instituting awards and scholarships for art and culture personalities over the years.

Chief Minister N. Biren while speaking at the function said that Shumang Leela Festival is an encouraging event in the field of art & culture in the State. He said that Shumang Leela is an important art form which is indispensable to society. It has been taking a great role in educating people in many aspects of life and also in bringing reforms in the society, he added.

Taking Twitter, CM Said that, “Attended the inaugural function of the 50th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2021-22 along with Hon’ble @manipurgovernor Shri La Ganesan Ji at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen in Imphal today and spoke about its role in portraying various aspects of our society.”

Stating that Shumang Leela is an effective medium for mass awareness and education, the Chief Minister said that even during Covid-19 pandemic, the medium took a great role in educating people about the disease and awareness of how it can be minimized. He further said that women participation in this art form is very much encouraging and it will definitely help to bring about a change in society.

Biren continued that the government is committed to extend support to the artists in the State. He said that CM’s Pension Scheme for Artists has been implemented and separate budgetary allocation has been made for organizing Shumang Leela Festival. He said that under Ayushman Bharat and CMHT all artists will be covered and health cards will be issued. Though the State has limited resources, steps to extend help to the artists will be taken up in future too, he added. The Chief Minister appealed to the people to cooperate with each other in all productive works for the development of society in days to come.

Earlier, the Chief Minister informed that Linthoi Chanambam claimed a historic gold medal at the World Cadet Judo Championship in Bosnia’s capital Sarajevo, becoming the first from India to win a medal in the tournament across any age-group. He also informed that the State Government will honour Linthoi Chanambam for her contribution.

On the occasion, the Governor distributed medals to the winners of 49^th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival, 2020-21. Altogether 25 Shumang Leela Groups-11 Male and 14 Female are participating in the festival which is being organised by MSKA as a part of its Golden Jubilee Celebration.

M. Joy, Commissioner (Art & Culture), L. Kishorjit Singh, Director, Art & Culture, artists and students attended the inaugural function of the festival.