Mail News Service
\nImphal, Jan 24: Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh who also holds the portfolio of Art & Culture unveiled the Cultural Integrity Pillars at Palace Compound, Imphal today in the presence of MLA E. Chand Singh, Commissioner, Art & Culture RK Nimai Singh and Director, Art & Culture K. Sobita Devi and other dignitaries.
\nSpeaking on the occasion of the unveiling ceremony held at the Directorate of Art & Culture, Palace Compound the Chief Minister said that the Cultural Integrity Pillars would be an asset for future generations. He assured to extend all possible assistance to the Art & Culture Department to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Manipur. He also expressed the need to have a separate museum to house objects of Manipuri art and cultures in the State.
\nThe Chief Minister also said that the two cultural integrity pillars signify that different ethnic communities in the state have co-existed since time immemorial and would provide valuable information about the culture and traditions of the people of Manipur.
\nThe twelve artists who carved the pillars were also honoured with gifts on the occasion.
\nIt may be noted that the two \u201ccultural integrity pillars\u201d are erected by Art & Culture Department at a cost of over 5 lakhs. Each pillar measures about 18 ft in length, 3 ft in circumference and 7 tons in weight. The Cultural Integrity Pillar No. 1 erected at the main gate of Directorate of Art & Culture depicts engraved figurines of man from different ethnic groups and animals belonging to 17th and 18th centuries while Pillar No. 2 erected at the main gate of BOAT displays several designs imprinted on various clothes used during that time.<\/p>\n\n