Manipur Governor flags off 18-member SPIC MACAY team for IIT Kharagpur convention
Synopsis
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla flagged off 18 students and teachers for the 11th SPIC MACAY International Convention at IIT Kharagpur — a week-long cultural gathering running 25–31 May. The move carries added resonance for a state navigating social tensions, with youth cultural exchange emerging as a soft-power tool for unity and identity.
Key Takeaways
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla flagged off the state's contingent on 23 May 2025 at Lok Bhavan, Imphal .
A total of 18 members — students and teachers from Assam Rifles Public Schools (Mantripukhri and Keithelmanbi) and Manipur University of Culture — will represent the state.
The 11th SPIC MACAY International Convention is scheduled at IIT Kharagpur, West Bengal , from 25 to 31 May .
SPIC MACAY is a voluntary, non-political movement promoting Indian classical music, dance, folk traditions, yoga, and heritage among youth.
The Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) and other senior officials attended the flag-off ceremony.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Saturday, 23 May flagged off the state's contingent for the 11th SPIC MACAY International Convention, urging young participants to stay rooted in their cultural heritage even as they engage with a rapidly globalising world. The ceremony was held at Lok Bhavan in Imphal, attended by senior officials and dignitaries from the Assam Rifles and SPIC MACAY's Imphal Chapter.
Who Is Travelling and Where
A total of 18 members — comprising students and teachers from Assam Rifles Public Schools at Mantripukhri and Keithelmanbi, along with participants from Manipur University of Culture — will represent the state. The convention is scheduled at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, in West Bengal, running from 25 to 31 May.
What SPIC MACAY Stands For
The Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY) is a voluntary, non-political cultural movement that introduces students to Indian classical music, dance, folk traditions, crafts, yoga, meditation, heritage walks, and classic cinema. The week-long convention is expected to bring together young participants from across India and several countries, creating a platform for cultural exchange and artistic learning.
What the Governor Said
Addressing the outbound students and accompanying teachers, Governor Bhalla congratulated the contingent and expressed confidence that the event would broaden their exposure to India's diverse cultural heritage and global artistic traditions. He advised participants to make full use of workshops, performances, and interactive sessions. Bhalla further noted that such platforms strengthen values of unity, creativity, and mutual understanding among communities — particularly important for a state like Manipur, which is home to a rich mosaic of indigenous traditions.
Dignitaries at the Flag-Off
The ceremony was attended by the Inspector General of 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 school representatives. The Assam Rifles' active involvement underscores the institution's continued role in supporting cultural and educational initiatives in the Northeast.
Broader Significance
Manipur's participation in the SPIC MACAY convention comes at a time when the state has faced prolonged social tensions, making cultural diplomacy and youth engagement particularly consequential. Platforms that bring together young people from diverse backgrounds carry added weight in a region navigating complex identity questions. The Manipur contingent's presence at an IIT-hosted international forum also signals the state's intent to project its cultural identity on a national and global stage.
Point of View
But its context is not routine. Manipur has been under severe social strain, and the Governor's emphasis on cultural rootedness alongside global openness reads as more than ceremonial advice — it is a deliberate framing of identity politics through a softer lens. The Assam Rifles' visible role in a cultural send-off is also notable: it signals the institution's effort to build community trust beyond its security mandate. Whether youth cultural exchange can meaningfully contribute to reconciliation in the state is a harder question, but the intent is clear.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SPIC MACAY International Convention?
The SPIC MACAY International Convention is an annual gathering organised by the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth, bringing together students from across India and abroad to engage with classical music, dance, folk traditions, and other cultural art forms. The 11th edition is being held at IIT Kharagpur, West Bengal, from 25 to 31 May 2025.
Who is representing Manipur at the 11th SPIC MACAY convention?
A total of 18 members will represent Manipur, including students and teachers from Assam Rifles Public Schools at Mantripukhri and Keithelmanbi, as well as participants from Manipur University of Culture.
Where and when is the 11th SPIC MACAY convention being held?
The convention is being held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, in West Bengal, from 25 to 31 May 2025.
What did Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla say at the flag-off?
Governor Bhalla congratulated the participants and urged them to stay connected to their cultural roots while embracing global exposure. He advised students to make the most of workshops and performances, and said such platforms strengthen unity, creativity, and mutual understanding among communities.
What is the significance of Manipur's participation in SPIC MACAY?
Manipur's participation provides its youth a national and international platform to showcase and engage with India's cultural diversity. Given the state's ongoing social challenges, the Governor and officials view cultural exchange as a means to foster unity and broader perspectives among young people.
