An inaugural ceremony was organised of much awaited exhibition on ‘Poubi Lai’ at Manav Sangrahalaya today. The exhibition was inaugurated by the chief guest of the ceremony and eminent anthropologist, Prof Vinay Shrivastava and the ceremony was chaired by Prof. Sarit Kumar Chaudhuri (Director, IGRMS).
In his chairing address, Prof Chaudhuri said “This exhibition has opened up multiple possibilities which is largest based on a single object ‘Poubi Lai’ carved by late Karam Dineshwar. For the first time it was exhibited in Manipur and later in France, New Delhi and Kolkata. This exhibition displays the kind of strength and possibilities of which India’s Noth-East. It helps us to understand the creative potential of North-Eastern artisans. Along with that, there is a possibility so called intangible cultural heritages into shape of tangible cultural heritages. Sangrahalaya organized a workshop in Manipur and developed paintings and craft on verbal folklore on Poubi Lai”.
The chief guest of the programme, eminent anthropologist and Professor, DU, Prof Vinay Kumar Shrivastava said “When we look at material-cultural object, we are not aware of the social structure and present status of the concern society. Societal structure doesn’t do anything on its own, it is done by the men and women of the society, they present the thoughts of the society by crafting them in art”. Later, he narrated the story of Poubi Lai and presented similarities with mythical stories from all around the world. He said “When we listen to a story, we try to relate it with our own folklore. This is the unity”.
In the inauguration ceremony, Dr Surya Kumar Pandey (Assistant Keeper) gave the introductory speech and Shri Arun Kiro (Assistant Curator) presented the vote of thanks.
 Later 25 artisans from Centre for Youth & Cultural Activities, Imphal presented a dance-drama on the story of ‘Poubi Lai’.
After the dance-drama presentation, exhibition “Poubi Lai- the Story of a Giant Python” was formally inaugurated by chief guest and other honourable guests.
On this occasion Mrs. Kanchan Jain, IAS (DG, RCVP Noronha Academy of Administration & Management), Prof Debashish Debnath (Professor, IIFM) and members of Advisory Committee Prof K.K. Basa, Prof Shanti Pappu and Prof Mitashree Mishra was present.

Date: January 11, 2016