Monsang Women's Union celebrates silver jubilee

Imphal, January 11 : Call for respecting the rights of the women and giving their long deprived dues reverberated at the silver jubilee celebration of Sirti Sanuw Ruh (Monsang Women's Union) which began from today under the theme of 'Excel with culture' at Liwa Sarei village in Chandel district.

Speaking as chief guest at the formal inaugural session of the celebration which would go on for four days, MP of Outer Manipuri Parliamentary Constituency Mani Charenamei observed that the role of the women in development of any society is of paramount importance.

However, the women in Manipuri society have never been given their due rights regardless of their immense contribution made to the society throughout the course of the history of the State.

It is because of this that numerous problems have come up today leading to imbalance in development, the MP said.

He further pointed out that the unwillingness of the society as a whole to empower women and allow them to take active part in the formulation of programmes and policies of the State has also led to an economic crisis that would have far reaching impact.

Presiding over the function attended by a large number of leaders of various communities, president of Chandel Naga People's Organisation (CNPO) Ng Gilbert noted that even if the Government has recognised Monsang as a tribe, the real and original nomenclature of the tribe is Sirti.

Inspite of being a small community, the tribe has its own rich culture and tradition.

But there is the apprehension that these cultural elements may be swept away in the wave of globalisation.

So every efforts should be made to preserve these cultural and traditional elements from being lost, he exhorted.

Earlier, delivering the key note address, president of Monsang Women's Union Renie Wanglar said as an apex body of the Monsang women, the Union has played an important role in promotion and development of the arts and culture of the Monsang tribe.

So keeping this in mind, the silver jubilee celebration of the Union is being held under the theme of 'Excel with culture'.

The chief guest also released a souvenir at the occasion which was marked by presentation of cultural dances and songs by various cultural troupes. Keeping with the theme of the celebration, exhibition of traditional dresses of Monsang tribe, demonstration of folk songs and dances and other cultural items would be witnessed over the next three days.

The celebration would also witnessed talks to be delivered by various resource persons.

Among the resource persons, secretary of WSDC K Shangneidar would spoke on the topic of 'Women in development process' and principal of United College, Lambung, Chandel Th Oliver on the topic of 'Preserving our culture and tradition'.