March 10, 2025 : The Rhythms of Manipur continued its educational outreach today by conducting a captivating folk music demonstration at Promising Academy in Sagolband Tera Loukham Leirak, Imphal West.
The program aimed to educate students and faculty on the rich musical traditions of the region, with the group showcasing their national award-winning compositions, Dancing Drummers and the State Song Sanaleibak Manipur.
The demonstration, led by Rajkumar Sanatomba Singh, the founder member and Secretary of Rhythms of Manipur, began with an introduction to the group’s mission and objectives. Singh explained the importance of preserving and promoting Manipur’s folk music culture through educational initiatives.
Following the demonstration, students and teachers at the academy were invited to try their hand at playing the Langden drums and other traditional instruments, offering a hands-on experience that deepened their understanding of the music.
The initiative is part of a long-running effort by Rhythms of Manipur to bring traditional music education to institutions across the region. In recent years, the group has conducted similar programs at various schools, including Jovial Bellona English School in Irom Meijrao and SV Getwell School in Haotal, in November 2024.
Founded in 1985, Rhythms of Manipur has performed extensively both at home and abroad, collaborating with musicians from Japan and Trinidad. The group has toured globally, with successful performances in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Laos, Port of Spain, Bangkok, Surin, and most recently, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in August 2024.
The Chairman of Promising Academy, Ratankumar, expressed gratitude to Rhythms of Manipur for their efforts in raising awareness of traditional music. He also extended an invitation to the group to return for future programs, emphasizing the importance of continued exposure to Manipur’s unique musical heritage.
