Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Jun 06:
The prestigious Akademi Award, 2004 and 2005 conferred by Manipur State Kala Akademi have been presented to the recipients during an impressive function held at the auditorium of JN Manipur Dance Academy here today.
The award is given to renowned personalities in the field of dance, music, theatre, Shumang Leela, Lairik Haiba, Pena, Thang-Ta, Literature, tribal culture, fine arts, etc.
The recipients of Akademi Award, 2004 are Debajani Chaliha and Sougaijam Tombimacha in dance, Yumnam Haimo and Ningthoujam Shyamchand Singh in music, Irengbam Birkumar Singh in theatre, Sapam Manikchand Singh in Lairik Haiba, Thokchom Ningthemjao Meetei in Pena, Birjit Ngangomba in Thang-Ta, Thounaojam Chanu Ibemhal in Literature, Chhanpam Sareo and K Sani Alexander in Tribal Culture and Naorem Rajesh Singh and Pukhrambam Premjit Singh in Fine Art.
The recipients of the Akademi Award, 2005 who were also felicitated during the function are Irengbam Nalini Devi and Nameirakpam Tiken Singh in Dance, Ningombam Ibobi Singh and Keisham Thambalngou Singh in Music, Kshetrimayum Jugindro in Theatre, Langpoklakpam Nityaichand Singh in Shumang Leela, Khagembam Mangi Singh in Pena, Naorem Yaiskul in Bhajan, Saikhom Nodia Mangang in Thang-Ta, Moirangthem Borkeiliya in Literature, Rogongning Gangmei and Reuben Masangva in Tribal Culture and Chandam Lalit Singh and Waikhom Robin Khaba in Fine Art.
Along with presentation of the Akademi Award, Elangbam Joychandra Singh, Nongmaithem Manaoyaima Singh and Gurumayum Brajamani were also honoured with presentation of Akademi Fellowship for the year 2004 and 2005 .
Speaking as chief guest of the function, Governor Dr SS Sidhu described Manipur as a land with a unique cultural tradition and arts of its own.
He observed that felicitation of artistes and scholars with awards and fellowship is essential for further development of Art and Culture.
Dr Sidhu who is also the chairman of Manipur State Kala Akademi further informed the gathering awards have been presented to 305 artistes and fellowship to another 58 artistes since the inception of the Akademi in 1972.In his presidential address, Art and Culture Minister P Parijat noted that though the Manipuri artistes are getting invitation from other parts of the country and abroad for performance, many of them could not be sent due to lack of fund with the Government.
However, in order to overcome this difficulty, the State Government would be paying special attention in this regard.
The award presentation ceremony concluded with presentation of various cultural items, drama, Shumang Leela, etc.