Inaugural Function

The inaugural function of the workshop was graced by eminent scholar and historian Padmashree Ningthoukhongjam Khelchandra Singh as the Chief Guest. Shri Ph. Bihari Sharma, president of the Atombapu Research Centre, was among the dignitaries on the dais of the inaugural function as the Guest of Honor.

Welcoming the dignitaries, resource persons and scholars and media persons assembled, Shri Chanam Hemchanda Singh highlighted the valuable material available at the Centre and made a fervent appeal to generously contribute to the maintenance and growth of the Centre. He also urged the younger generation to utilize and avail the facilities available in the Centre.

The Workshop was formally inaugurated by lighting the lamp by the dignitaries.

Giving her keynote address of the workshop, Dr. K. Sobita Devi delved into the necessities of organizing such a workshop in the state. She reiterated the valuable and immense social and religious wealth that continues to inspire millions of people of all generations all over the world. Social order and discipline are integral part of all religious teaching and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts is making efforts to preserve all available form of knowledge, especially cultural traditions, she said. She also recollected the state of infrastructure of the Atombapu Research Centre, which received the generous attention of Dr. Kapila Vatsayan. Stressing the immediate need to strengthen the human resources and expertise to preserve and promote the valuable wealth of the Centre, she drew the attention of Institutes and organizations based in the State to extend all possible assistance to the Centre.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest of the function, Padmashree Ningthoukhongjam Khelchandra Singh brought light of the existing tales of Ramayana in different forms of art in the world. He mentioned the varying parts of the great epic from time to time, where some of the chapters are unique and different, which the people have lovingly accepted. He also mentioned some of the stories, including the episode of Chandrajini that are vogue in Manipur among great story tellers, which the people who follow the faith take keen interest although the same is not found in other parts of the world. He said that the workshop would bring forth some of the interesting and relevant parts and practices vis-à-vis the Ramayana tradition. He recollected the historic moment when Eigya Atombapu was invited to take part in the discussion of Veda in South India. Being a learned astrologer, Eigya Atombapu was often consulted by the Maharajah of Manipur for different occasions.

Giving his presidential speech, Shri Ph.Bihari Sharma, president, Atombapu Research Centre, expressed his gratitude to the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts for organizing the workshop by collaborating with the Centre. He requested the scholars of all religion to understand the essence of each teaching for better understanding, which should be translated into harmony for all. He urged the younger generation to whole heartedly participate and come out with a good suggestion so that the same would be recommended for further study.

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