Imphal, May 23, 2026: The Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Saturday flagged off participants from the state for the 11th SPIC MACAY International Convention, which is scheduled to be held from May 25 to 31 at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur in West Bengal.
The
convention will bring together young participants, students, artists, and
cultural enthusiasts from across India and several other countries, providing a
platform for cultural exchange, learning, and interaction through the promotion
of Indian classical music, arts, heritage, and values.
During
the flag-off ceremony, the Governor congratulated the participants selected to
represent Manipur at the prestigious international gathering and encouraged
them to make the best use of the opportunity.
Addressing
the students and coordinators, the Governor advised the participants to
actively engage with fellow students from different states and countries, gain
knowledge, build friendships, and learn from diverse cultures and experiences
during the convention.
The
Governor also highlighted the importance of programmes like SPIC MACAY in
preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage among the younger
generation while fostering national integration and mutual understanding.
The
ceremony was attended by senior officials and dignitaries, including the Inspector
General 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 from Assam Rifles Public Schools at
Mantripukhri and Keithelmanbi.
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Officials
associated with the programme stated that participation in the international
convention would provide students from Manipur with valuable exposure to
cultural activities, workshops, interactive sessions, and performances by
renowned artists and scholars.
The SPIC
MACAY International Convention is regarded as one of the country’s major youth
cultural events, aimed at promoting the appreciation of Indian classical
traditions, heritage, yoga, meditation, crafts, and performing arts among students
and young people.
Participants from Manipur are expected to take part in various sessions and activities throughout the week-long convention at IIT Kharagpur alongside delegates from across the country and abroad.
