Manipuri Bhasha Utshab in Sylhet

A Manipuri dance performance at the programme.Photo: STAR

The concluding session of a daylong programme organised by the Bangladesh Manipuri Sahitya Sangsad (BMSS) in observance of the 'Manipuri Bhasha Utshab-2010' was held on Friday last.
We have to uphold and preserve the Manipuri culture and the rich literature of the community. The language, traditions and unique culture of the ethnic minorities are on the decline, so we would all have to contribute greatly to preserve them, said the discussants
The Sylhet Divisional Commissioner, Golam Rabbani, was present as chief guest while Professor Mesbah Kamal of Dhaka University; headmaster of the Aided High School of Sylhet, Syed Enayet Hossain and deputy programme manager of Gano Shakkharata Abhijan, Sakiba Khatun, also spoke at the event.
President of the Manipuri Sahitya Sangsad, poet AK Sheram, chaired the discussion. General secretary of the organization, Nambram Sankar, conducted the programme.
Noted dance artiste, Tamanna Rahman and Anil Kishon Sinha, poet Anwara Azad and indigenous activist Rakhi Mrong were also present at the event.
Professor Mesbah Kamal formally inaugurated the programme which began with the rendering of the national anthem in the morning.
A colourful procession was also taken out in the city. Later, wreaths were placed at the Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar.
Manipuri children took part in a writing contest on Manipuri language.
Manipuri songs were rendered at the concluding function, conducted by Nongpokloi Sinha, while Chingkhoi Angom and Pronoti Sinha recited poems. The traditional Manipuri dances were directed by the chief of Academy for Manipuri Culture and Arts, Shantona Devi.