Akademi awards distributed to 17 artistes
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, May 30 2011:
The Akademi awards 2009, conferred to 17 persons recognizing their excellent contributions in the fields of art, culture and literature and fellowships of the Akademi were distributed today in a function in the JNMDA attended by Governor Gurbachan Jagat as chief guest.
The awardees were Kongbrailatpam Binakumari and Khwairakpam Yaimabi Devi in dance, B Krishnachandra and P Tampakleima in music, W Bhagirot in theatre, L Tomal in Shumang Leela, T Bira in folk music (Pena), T Ibungo in Wari Leeba (story-telling), L Ibocha in Thang-Ta (martial arts), YL Vangam and KR Thalou Maram in tribal culture, Late Ch Manihar in literature, and Ksh Sarat and L Jiten in fine art.
Oinam Dhoni was awarded an honourable mention posthumously.
The Akademi also offered fellowships to RK Danish and Elangbam Sonamani.
Governor Gurbachan Jagat expressed his satisfaction when he learnt that the Manipur State Kala Akademy (MSKA) has so far given 373 awards in different fields of culture and 64 Akademi Fellowships.
"I am glad to learn that several renowned personalities in the field of culture were honoured, including Dr Sunitikumar Chatterjee, Dr Kapila Vatsayayan, Savita N Mehta and Nayana Zhaveri," he said.
Civilization is not a matter of material possession but a state of mind, a tradition of culture, and a sense of values.
What distinguishes a man who cultivates wholeheartedly the great arts is not his health or wealth but his pursuit of wisdom, his enthusiasm for beauty and his love of nature, the Governor said.
He added "When we hear a great musical composition, see a beautiful dance or follow a moving drama or a Shumang Leela, we are quickened, chastened and exalted in spirit.
We must, therefore, try to cultivate all great arts.
It is said that man does not live by bread alone; poetry, passion, mystery, ecstasy, etc.
are also to be counted" .
Art and culture do not develop in an atmosphere of neglect, depreciation or contempt, Gurbachan said adding that it will never suffer from over-appreciation.
"We should do everything in our power to encourage art and culture which will help in bringing about a calmer and kinder age for making Manipur even more organized and cultured," he call for.
The concluding part of the function was marked by performances of dance, music and other cultural items presented by the artistes who received the awards.