4th Rajarshi Bhagyachandra Drama Festival 2021-2022 kicks offKaram Shyam calls for promotion of declining dramatic arts

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 14: Langthabal Constituency MLA Karam Shyam has called upon drama experts to discuss the decline of the dramatic arts and elevate its position.
The MLA made the statement while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the 4th Rajarshi Bhagyachandra Drama Festival 2021-2022 held at the auditorium hall of JN Manipur Dance Academy today.
It is worth noting that the four-day drama festival was jointly organised by Theatre Mirror Imphal in collaboration with JN Manipur Dance Academy under the aegis of Department of Culture, Government of  India.    
Addressing the gathering, MLA Karan Shyam stated that dramas are a commentary on the issues prevalent in society. Its decline is a loss to the people and society at large. As such, this artform must be promoted and safeguarded from further decline, he maintained.
The MLA also briefly mentioned Rajarshi Bhagyachandra and how he demonstrated in various ways that State administration alone cannot fulfil human life.  
He then sought people's cooperation in supporting and encouraging theatre artistes.
Speaking on the occasion, Pukhrambam Bilash,  Director, JNMDA recalled back the times when dramas were hugely popular among people.
Nowadays, its influence and popularity has dimmed, he stated.
With the objective to popularize dramas and halt its further decline, JNMDA collaborated with Theatre Mirror Imphal to conduct this drama festival, he maintained.
Stating that dramas reflect the true nature of society, both its flaws and favours, he called upon the people to promote this artform.
Padmashree awardee and festival director Wareppa Naba also addressed the gathering and cautioned that if a tradition is lost, culture will soon follow suit.
Altogether six drama groups are participating in the drama festival which is set to conclude on November 17.
Today, Khoriphaba Artistes' Association presented their drama 'Fate of an Artiste' at the inaugural ceremony.
Meanwhile, Theatre Mirror Imphal's 'Ngamok' and NETA Heingang's 'Tamnalaini nangdi pandemic  suni' are lined up to enthrall the audience on November 15 and MYCO Imphal East's 'Thajaba (Faith)' and Palem Panthou Cultural Trust's 'Apayao' will be presented on November 16 and 17 respectively.