By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Marching ahead relentlessly to retain the age old tradition and culture of ‘Tangkhul’ a tribe of Manipur, a film festival on Tangkhul culture was organised at the North East Council (NEC) auditorium on Saturday.
The Shillong premiere was organized to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Tangkhul Students’ Union of Shillong (Tangkhul Katamnao Long, Shillong). This was the second edition of the Film Fest on Tangkhul Culture, the first being organized for school children and select audience at Ukhrul headquarters in August, 2012.
The event is aimed at creating awareness on the significance of preserving the rich, diverse and age-old traditions of the Tangkhul Nagas and the filmmakers thought it apt to retain the tradition through cinema which has wider acceptance.
The festival witnessed participation from renowned Tangkhul musicians like Rewben Mashangva who performed traditional award winning songs that spoke about the rich culture and tradition of the tribe.
The film festival witnessed the screening of three documentary films on Tangkhul culture.
The festival was organised by Tangkhul filmmakers in collaboration with Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Ukhrul (Manipur) district administration.
Talking to reporters on the sideline of the function, national award winner Mashangva observed that the journey of life is full of changes but it is very important to hold on to one’s roots for it is the identity of the person that largely defines him or her.
Expressing concern over the trend of aping the West which he felt is contributing to the erosion of traditional culture and tradition Mashangva said, “In this fast changing world we all need to contribute to safeguard our culture and I am doing my bit through my songs. I don’t know how much of a contribution I can make in my lifetime, but I will continue doing so.”
Meanwhile, member of the organising committee, Pamreiso Shimray said that the programme is an initiative of the filmmakers to promote the dying culture of the indigenous people.
Stating that the practice of age old customs is fast dwindling, Shimray said, “Promotion of traditional films creates awareness, informs and reminds people of the age-old tradition and customs handed down by our forefathers.”
He further hoped that the initiative would help preserve the rich, diverse and age-old culture of the Tangkhul (Nagas).
