Governor of Manipur & West Bengal  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 the 50^th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2021-2022, held on Saturday at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen at Palace Compound in Imphal.

Governor said, 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 the 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 to 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.

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 organizing festivals, exhibitions, seminars, and workshops, and for instituting awards and scholarships for art and culture personalities over the years.

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Chief Minister N. Biren Singh while speaking at the function said, Shumang Leela Festival is an encouraging event in the field of art & culture in the State. He said Shumang Leela is an important art form that 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 society. Stating that Shumang Leela is an effective medium for mass awareness and education, Chief Minister said, even during the 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’s participation in this art form is very much encouraging and it will definitely help to bring about a change in society.

N. Biren Singh continued that the government is committed to extending support to the artists in the State. He said, CM’s Pension Scheme for Artists has been implemented and separate budgetary allocation has been made for organizing Shumang Leela Festival. He said, 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 the future too. Chief Minister appealed to people to cooperate with each other in all product works for the development of society in days to come.

Earlier, 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 honor Linthoi Chanambam for her contribution.

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Governor distributed medals to the winners of the 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 organized 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.

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