Imphal, May 23 (IANS) Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Saturday emphasised the importance of young people remaining connected to their roots, traditions and cultural values while progressing in an increasingly modern and globalised environment.

The Governor made the remarks while flagging off the Manipur contingent that will participate in the 11th SPIC MACAY International Convention to be held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, in West Bengal.

The Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY) is a voluntary and non-political cultural movement aimed at introducing students and young people to Indian classical music, dance, folk traditions, crafts, yoga, meditation, heritage walks, classic cinema and various other aspects of Indian and global cultural heritage.

This year’s week-long convention, scheduled to be held from May 25 to 31, is expected to bring together young participants from across India and several countries abroad, creating a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, artistic learning and interaction among youths from diverse backgrounds.

A total of 18 members from Manipur, including teachers and students from Assam Rifles Public Schools at Mantripukhri and Keithelmanbi, along with participants from the Manipur University of Culture, will represent the state at the international convention.

During an interaction with the students and accompanying teachers, Governor Bhalla congratulated the participants and expressed confidence that the convention would provide them with broader exposure to India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage as well as global artistic traditions.

He advised the students to make full use of the opportunity by learning as much as possible from the various sessions, performances and workshops organised during the convention.

The Governor also encouraged them to interact with fellow participants from different states and countries to gain wider perspectives and experiences. Bhalla further said that such platforms not only help young people appreciate cultural diversity but also strengthen values of unity, creativity and mutual understanding among communities.

The flag-off ceremony was held at Lok Bhavan in Imphal in the presence of senior officials and dignitaries, including the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South), the Deputy Inspector General of 9 Sector Assam Rifles, the Chief Patron and President of the SPIC MACAY Imphal Chapter, coordinating officers and representatives of Assam Rifles Public Schools at Mantripukhri and Keithelmanbi.

–IANS

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