Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Manipur has earned national recognition in the field of performing arts after several artistes from the state were selected for the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards and the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for 2024-25, announced by the Sangeet Natak Akademi on June 10.
The awards honour outstanding contributions to India’s rich cultural traditions and performing arts. Recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh along with a tamrapatra and angavastram, while Akademi Fellows (Akademi Ratna) will be presented a purse of Rs 3 lakh. The honours will be conferred by the President of India at a special investiture ceremony.
Among the awardees from Manipur, three distinguished artistes have been chosen for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards. They are Smt. Irengbam Nalini Devi for Manipuri Dance, Smt. Lourembam Bedabati Devi for Folk Music and Smt. Rajkumari Thambalsana Devi for Manipuri Dance.
In the youth category, four artistes from the state have been selected for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar. The recipients include Smt. Phuritshabam Debajani Devi for Manipuri Dance, Shri Lukram Tamphamani Singh for Music for Dance (Manipuri), Smt. Yumnam Bimota Devi for Folk Music and Shri Tongbram Roneld Meetei for Manipuri Dance.
Congratulating the awardees, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh praised their dedication to preserving and promoting the state’s cultural heritage. In a message shared on social media, he said the national recognition reflects the immense contribution of the artistes towards safeguarding traditional art forms and enriching India’s cultural landscape.
The Chief Minister noted that their achievements have brought pride to Manipur and would serve as an inspiration for aspiring artistes and future generations. He also extended his best wishes to all the recipients for continued success in their artistic pursuits.
The recognition of seven artistes from Manipur underscores the state’s enduring contribution to the country’s cultural and performing arts traditions.