Subhechcha Ganguly 
Poetess Promila Devi Sutharsan Huidrom has long been a resonant voice when it comes to the interplay of poetry, heritage, and cultural identity. Her powerful words often delve deep into the essence of tradition, identity, and emotional belonging. As a speaker at various cultural conferences across India, she has inspired audiences with her thoughts on how culture is not just a relic of the past, but a vibrant, evolving force that shapes communities and relationships. In this interview, we explore her perspectives on how culture binds people, particularly through the lens of her own experiences and her connection to the people of Manipur.
- How do you think culture binds people, regardless of their background or location?
Answer: Culture is a fusion of many cultures together and which intermingled and intertwined with different backgrounds and location. We see that in the era of globalization, everything is intertwined and fused. Everyone understands English atleast even if they do not speak. The western culture is so much inbibed in our culture too. At the same time, we see that due to IT and other global opportunities people are moving towards cosmopolitan cities and lean towards a mixed culture. Education is good to improvise in terms of culture and identity but we should never forget our roots and traditional values.
- What are your thoughts on the culture and people of Manipur? How has their cultural heritage inspired or influenced your work?
Answer: Manipur is like a hidden gem in India. It is not much talked about and shared outside the state itself. After we see actor Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram from Manipur getting married in the traditional Manipuri Meitei Tradition the world is getting to know slowly. Manipur is a very traditional, rich cultural heritage and ritual oriented state. It was an independent Kingdom for more than 2000 years. When Turks, Mughals and others were invading the parts of Bharat, they could never invade Manipur as the Kings and warriors were very skillful in sword and horses. The Polo game is invented by the Manipuri Kings centuries ago.
I have been cultured by a traditional and cultured Mother from Manipur so my values are imbibed with Manipuri Meitei traditions in every way, although I was brought up in Pune. So I have the traditional values of a Maharashtrian culture too. And being a product of a KV (Kendriya Vidhyalaya) where I was taught by wives of Army Doctors and personnel’s is itself a matter of pride for me. So I am indeed a core Nationalist too and that is reflected in my second Book «Ayushya».
- As a poet, how do you incorporate elements of tradition and culture into your poetry? Do you believe literature plays a role in preserving culture?
Answer: Literature is a subset of culture and tradition. We see greatest of Poets writing in their Literary works describing about the culture and tradition with poetic disposition.
- In today’s rapidly globalizing world, do you think regional cultures are at risk? How can we protect and promote them?
Answer: Cultures cannot be at high risk even if it’s in globalization phase right now. To be more precise, can a cuisine, language, ritual or other beliefs be obliterated so easily. At the same time fusion of culture is irresistible and should be celebrated. We love pizza from Italy, so we find pizza everywhere nowadays and we love idli from South, idli is originally from Indonesia so that is how cultures, traditions, and thus cuisines get intermingled and intertwined with the culture which is prevailing.
- What role do women play in nurturing and preserving cultural practices, especially in regions like the Northeast?
Answer: East or far East is a term I would preferably use instead of Northeast and the culture and race is a bit different but the basis and foundation is the same which we see for all other Indian states. It is the task of the mother to raise the child or children where she nurtures them and imbibe the culture, traditions, values and heritage of the region.
- Can you share a personal memory or moment where you felt deeply connected to your roots and cultural identity?
Answer: I have always been regarded high from I was young for being a Manipuri girl and now a lady. As Manipur has long and long lasting tradition of brave women from time immortal, let that be of Princess Chitranggada who was a warrior Princess and who won over Prince Arjuna in Mahabharata or today we see the Meira Paibis and many brave Manipuri women who have placed a mark in the history of India in Sports, education, arts, administration and more.
- Finally, what advice would you give to young poets and artists who wish to reflect their culture in their creative expressions?
Answer: I would say to all the Poets, artists or from any field, that never forget your identity. It is what makes us and what we are now and forever. And this will pass on to the next generation, and so on and so forth.
Art is a form of expression, Art is life-
-Promila Devi Sutharsan Huidrom
