Imphal, January 03 2010: Renowned modern Manipuri singer of the yore, Keisham Jaminikanta breaded his last today at his resident at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai in Imphl west district.

He was 79 .

The noted singer who was adorned with several awards was born on October 16, 1930 as the only son of Keisham Pakamodhu and Laishram Ningol Keisham Ongbi Monsori.

His after died when he was only three month old.

Late Jaminikanta with inborn talent of arts passed Class VII from Tombisana High School, Imphal and clear Matric Exam from Johnston High School.

He joined government service as amin at the state settlement office in 1930 and retired from the service in 1992.He got a monthly salary of Rs 30 when first joined the service.

Meishnam Thambou was his first teacher of singing career.

He learnt singing from Thambou with noted popular singer of their RK Binoy, Robindro Sharma and Shyam Sharma.

Evergreen songs sung by the noted singer which are still echoes in the sky of Manipuri modern song includes "Ichik hunba ahingda thoklibi thaja-o, thaja nungbu ngaijari, Nong-en Chekla Lakle, Tanikle thamoi ngasigi ahingse," etc.

Among other song sung him and popular all the time were "Chingi thambal U-thambal, Taramdai thaja nungna muna muna yengbadi, Kanana tambiduna nungshiba heirubano, Nungsirure eina pamjarure mabu, Bidhi na tamba mapokni, Kaplaganu eshanou, Nung eigi wangma wangmagi warini" etc.

can be mentioned.

Not only modern song but he also sung meera bhajan ad bhajans.

He became an approved artiste as well as lyric of Al India Radio, Imphal in 1968.Recognizing his yeomen service in the field of modern Manipuri song, Rup Rag honoured him with lifetime achievement award in 2002, Herijon Music Award of Kanglei Eshei Maheikon, Thangmeiband in 2003 .

Cultural Forum honoured him with Thoibi Devi Award in 2004, with Sangeet Ratna by the Manipur Sahitya Parishad in 2007 and by State Kala Akademy in 2009 .

Popular Manipuri modern song singers, Aheibam Bormani, Maimu, Nongthon, Haimo, A Shyam, Hamom Naba, Tamphamani, Soram Shama, Bamon Shama, Kamala, Haobam Subashini, etc.

were his students.

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