Imphal: Professionals from different fields came together on Wednesday to perform in a concert to raise money for persons with disabilities at the auditorium of Manipur Film Development Society.
The line-up of more than 20 singers, all non-professional, includes an IAS officer, a lecturer of Manipur University, a shumang leela (courtyard theatre) artiste, a social scientist, a retired government engineer, entrepreneurs and journalists. The event, organised mainly by well-known band Sargam, under the aegis of the All Manipur Matam Eshei Kanglup, evoked keen interest among the government officials and music lovers of the state. This is the second time Sargam joined hands with non-professional singers for a cause. Last year, the funds raised by the concert was used to extend material assistance like blanket, charcoal and edible items to the inmates of different old-age homes in and around Imphal.
"We should all come out of our professional fields and do something to help the needy. Sargam's efforts are laudable," social scientist, Dhanabir Laishram, said.
H. Jugin, convener of the programme, said people from different walks of life extended support by making donations. He was one of the main singers of Wednesday's programme as well as the convener of the Manipur Badminton Association and secretary of the All Manipur Matam Eshei Kanglup.
"None of the performers are professionals. But their performances were excellent," said B. Netachandra Sharma, former president of Sargam, and a renowned singer.
On International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, Biren Singh launched a welfare scheme for the disabled, including a scholarship for students belonging to this category.
The concert organisers, however, planned the event before the chief minister launched the scheme.
The organisers already visited four homes in Imphal West and Imphal East districts to distribute blankets, clothes and food to the inmates. They will continue the endeavour depending upon the quantum of funds raised.
According to the 2011 census, the population of persons with disabilities in Manipur is 54,110.
