Roing, May 10: In a significant step towards cultural preservation, the Singpho community consecrated the newly-constructed ‘Manau Shadung’, a sacred altar central to Singpho tradition, at the RIWATCH Museum, in a solemn ceremony led by community elders.
The event witnessed the presence of Balkrishna V Chaubal, Chairperson of Central Depository Services (India) Ltd (CDSL), Mumbai, and Vinay Madan, Chief Risk Manager at CDSL, alongside a large gathering of community members.
The Manau Shadung is revered as a spiritual and cultural symbol among the Singphos. The Singpho Development Society (SDS) secretary-general Ongyun Maio highlighted its significance, stating that the altar serves not only as a sacred site but as a beacon of identity and continuity for future generations.
The inauguration was followed by a vibrant traditional dance performance by the Singpho community elders, women, and youth, reflecting the deep-rooted customs and unity of the community.
Expressing their admiration for the region's cultural richness, Chaubal and Madan commended the Singpho community’s commitment to preserving their unique traditions. They emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting these age-old customs, encouraging the communities to take pride in their cultural identity and continue safeguarding their ancestral legacy for future generations.
The occasion also marked the official launch of two Singpho pictorial glossary books—Ruhkum (Numerals) and Shingra Ma?ka hteq Grupyin Ma?sha? (Nature and Environment). Developed under the initiative ‘Jinghpaw Ga Sha?rin La Gaq’ (Let Us Learn Singpho), the books aim to promote early language learning and cultural connection among children and youth.
Dr Mechek Sampar Awan, Centre Head of the RIWATCH Centre for Mother Language (RCML), asserted that these publications are the result of a collaborative effort between RCML and SDS, with the goal of revitalizing the Singpho language and instilling pride in cultural heritage, particularly among the younger generations.