Lifetime achievement award given to Shyam Sharma
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 18 2009: Aribam Shyam Sharma has been conferred the lifetime achievement award instituted by the Nongmaithem Pahari Memorial Trust on the occasion of the third death anniversary of the renowned singer of Manipuri modern songs.

Presentation of the lifetime achievement award to Aribam Shyam Sharma in recognition of his contribution in the Manipuri modern song, distribution of prizes to the winners of Pahari Memorial Song Competition, and offering of floral tributes to the photograph of N Pahari as part of paying homage to the noted singer marked the occasion held at JN Dance Academy.

The lifetime achievement award included a memento, shawl and a cash award of Rs 30,000 was handed over to Shyam by Laishram Birendrakumar, musicologist who graced the function as chief guest.

Prizes to the position holders of the song completion were also distributed on the occasion.

The first prize of the competition consisting of a certificate and a cash award of Rs 20,000 went to Martin Ngangom of Yumnam Khunou Mayai Leikai, Nambol.

Delivering his speech as chief guest of the function, Laishram Birendrakumar said Manipur is a place for song and music.

A Shyam Sharma (R), L Birendrakumar (C) and B Jayentakumar Sharma

While exploring the essential parts of a song, he said to become a song, it required three things - lyric, vocal and composer and expressed his willingness to institute award for the lyric also like conferring to the singers.

Lifetime achievement awardee, Aribam Shyam Sharma recounting the contribution made by N Pahari in shaping the modern Manipuri song and termed him a living legend.

His songs are still in the hearts of the people.

He also opined on the need of maintaining a history only for Manipuri songs and drew the attention of the State Kala Akademy, government and authorities concerns.

He also wanted to organize a Pahari Memorial Lecture at the earliest.

B Jayentakumar who presided over the function also termed the life of Pahari as legend of Manipuri modern song.

Even though he is not in this world, he had left many contributions which will always in the heart of the people of the state.

At the concluding part of the function, singers who stood first, second and third positions presented songs they had presented in the competition.