Imphal, September 21: Prizes of the 35th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2007 organised by the manipur State Kala Akademi were distributed today by Governor Dr SS Sidhu at JN Manipur Dance Academy.

Addressing the prize distribution function as chief guest, Dr Sidhu noted that Shumang Leela is one of the most important forms of Manipur courtyard theatre.

Although it started as a comic genre for entertainment of kings and noblemen, over the years Shumang Leelas have become a powerful medium for mass education.

Stories of Harishchandra, Savitri, Prahlad and episodes from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana have been successfully staged in this medium.

The immortal love story of Khamba Thoibi and the historical events of Moirang Kangleirol have been enacted in a style known as Moirang Parva, stated the Governor.

He observed that before the introduction of proscenium theatre by British, the Shumang Leela played the role of theatre in Manipur.

Dr Sidhu also noted that the uniqueness of Shumang Leela played entirely by male artistes including feminine roles.

The impact of Shumang Leelas on the mind of the masses irrespective of the generation have been such that it is difficult to separate the Shumang Leela from the Manipuri socio-cultural scene.

The prize for Best Production of the Shumang Leela Festival 2007 was awarded to Achumbagi Dakpham of the Naharol Khongthang Artiste Association, the Best Director award was won by Warrepa Naba for the same play and the Best Actor award by Keirao Rajen of the same troupe for his role in the same play.

The award for Best Script also went to Raghumani for the same play.

NSS Day : All the NSS programme officers and student volunteers have been intimated that the State NSS Cell will celebrate NSS Day on September 24 at Multipurpose Hall, DM College, Imphal.

On the eve of the NSS Day, a blood donation camp will be organised on September 22 and 23 at the same venue, informed a release issued by NSS Deputy Secretary Dr B Lalhari.

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