The Government of Sikkim initiated a theme based cultural event, held at Manan Kendra today to mark the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The event was organized by the Regional Outreach Bureau, Imphal Region, under Bureau of Outreach and Communication, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, in coordination with the Culture and IPR Departments, Government of Sikkim.
The programme was graced by Secretary, IPR Department, Smt. Siporah G. Targain as the chief guest. Also present were Special Secretary, Culture Department, Smt. K.D. Rechung, Director, IPR Department, Smt. Benu Gurung, and other officers and staff of Culture and IPR Departments and representatives of various other departments. The team from Manipur was led by Shri. L. Bimal Chandra Singh, In-charge (Programme), Regional Outreach Bureau, Imphal Region.
The artists of the Regional Outreach Bureau performed folk and classical dances ranging from popular Manipuri dance ‘Lai Haraoba’ to the ‘Dandiya Raas’ of Gujarat and the ‘Lavani’ of Maharashtra. They also performed patriotic songs in honour of the freedom fighters of the nation.
The programme also highlighted the 100 Crore Vaccination milestone achieved by the Government of India within a span of just nine months. India was hailed by the global community for developing its own vaccines namely Covaxin and Covishield to fight Covid-19 and covering the target population in record time. It was one of the best examples of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ envisaged by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest Smt. Siporah G. Targain lauded the effort of the Regional Outreach Bureau, Imphal, for showcasing the diverse and rich culture of India through song and dance. She also acknowledged the Culture Department of the Government of Sikkim for providing the necessary support for the event. Smt. Targain briefly highlighted the key themes of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and touched upon the initiatives being taken by the Government of Sikkim to incorporate it in the Government programmes.
She also spoke about the recently announced schemes such as Ama, Bahini and Vatsalya, besides highlighting the achievement of the Government in various sectors. She concluded her address by suggesting the artists from Manipur to learn about the folk dances of Sikkim and include them in their performances in future.
The programme was coordinated by Shri. Raj Sharma, SIA, on behalf of IPR Department.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Shri L. Bimal Chandra Singh, In-charge of Programme, RoB, Imphal Region.
