Source: Hueiyen News Service / Manipur Information Centre
New Delhi, June 05 2009:
Thirty three young artistes of India who have made a mark for themselves in their respective fields of performing arts were selected for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2008 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama.
Three artistes namely R K.Sanaton for Major Traditions of Theatre � Shumang Leela of Manipur, Bimbavati Devi for Manipuri dance and Mayanglambam Mangangsana Meitei for Traditional Music-Pena from Manipur were among the recipients of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2008 .
In the field of music, nine young artistes including a joint winner for Hindustani and Carnatic music were selected while in the field of dance; eight young artistes were selected for Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Manipuri, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Sattriya and Vilasini Natyam.
In the field of Theatre, eight young artistes were selected for acting, direction, playwriting, music and lighting.
Eight artists from various parts of the country were selected for their talents in different forms of traditional/folk/tribal arts.
Sangeet Natak Akademi, the National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama, which was an autonomous body of Ministry of Culture, Government of India and apex institution of performing arts in the country, instituted the award for young artistes since 2006 in fond memory of Shehnai legend Ustad Bismillah Khan, Bharat Ratna as 'Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar'.
The award is meant to identify and encourage outstanding young talents in diverse fields of performing arts and give them national recognition early in life so that they may work with greater commitment and dedication in life-long pursuit of their chosen art-form.
The Puraskar is meant for artists below the age of 35 years as on 1st April of the year and covers music, dance, theatre, puppetry and scholarship in performing arts.
The Yuva Puraskar carries purse money of Rs 25,000 and a plaque.
Shijagurumayum Nimita Devi for Manipuri dance and Thokchom Imocha Singh for Thang- Ta from Manipur were among the first recipients of the Puruskar 2006.Laishram Bino Devi for Manipuri dance, Mairenbam Maniton Singh for Nata Sankirtana and Laishram Ibohouba Singh for theatre lighting from Manipur were among recipients of the award for 2007 last year.