In a meeting that underscored the importance of cultural continuity, Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, today interacted with noted folk artist Mangka Mayanglambam and a group of six fellow performers at Raj Bhavan, Imphal. The discussion centred on efforts to preserve and promote Manipur’s indigenous folk music and performing arts, with particular focus on the Pena, one of the State’s most iconic traditional string instruments.
Preserving the Sound of Manipur’s Soul
Mangka Mayanglambam, known for her work in reviving Manipuri folk traditions through performances that bridge heritage and modern expression, highlighted the urgent need to safeguard the art of the Pena, which has been passed down through generations of skilled practitioners known as pena asheiba.
“The Pena is not just an instrument — it is the heartbeat of Manipur’s oral history and ritual traditions,” Mangka said during the interaction. “We must create spaces where young people can learn, perform, and understand its cultural depth.”
She also discussed ongoing community-led projects, workshops, and collaborations aimed at engaging younger audiences, both within and beyond Manipur.
Governor Lauds Artists’ Efforts
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla lauded the artists’ dedication to preserving Manipur’s living heritage, calling the State’s folk traditions “a source of both cultural pride and soft power.”
“The arts of Manipur — from its music and dance to crafts and festivals — reflect the spirit of unity and identity that binds our people,” the Governor said. “Efforts like yours ensure that our traditions remain vibrant, relevant, and accessible to future generations.”
The Governor encouraged the artists to collaborate with educational and cultural institutions, and assured that Raj Bhavan would extend support in highlighting their initiatives through appropriate platforms.
Reviving Traditional Instruments and Folk Forms
The meeting also touched upon the challenges faced by folk musicians, including the declining number of skilled Pena players, lack of institutional training, and limited exposure for Manipuri folk music on national and international stages.
Participants discussed potential avenues for documentation, digitization of oral traditions, and partnerships with the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur, to expand training and outreach programs.
“This is a shared cultural responsibility,” said one of the attending artists. “When we preserve our folk music, we preserve our identity.”
The Way Forward
The interaction concluded with a shared vision to strengthen institutional support for indigenous art forms, promote youth participation, and integrate folk traditions into mainstream cultural and educational frameworks.
Governor Bhalla commended the group’s initiative and assured that efforts to protect and promote Manipur’s artistic heritage would receive attention at the highest levels.