BIO-DATA of Leitanthem Heramot Meitei
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Puruskar 2008 Awardee -

By: Khilton Nongmaithem / Ranjit Khuman *

Ojha Leitanthem Heramot ( Sangeet Natak Akademi Puruskar 2008) demonstration of Huieyen Lal-lon - the traditonal Martial Arts of Manipur

1. Name : Leitanthem Heramot Meitei

2. Father's Name : (Late) L Tolangou

3. Home Address : Kongpal Chanam Leikai, Imphal East-795001

4. Date of Birth : 30th September, 1930

5. Sex : Male

6. Nationality : Indian

7. Profession : Chief Organiser of the Kanglei Enat Thang-Ta Shindam Sanglen

8. Studentship and Achievements : Being brought up in an extremely poor family, young career build up, Heramot had no formal education. Learnt Thang-Ta under eminent Gurus of Thang-Ta like
1. Ojha Thoudam Chaoba
2. Ojha Moirangthem Anganghal
3. Ojha Sagolsem Indramani

9. Achievements :
a) The first public appearance displying his skill and technique of Thang-Ta (Sword and Spear), 15th Aug. 1948
b) Honoured and accorded Title:- "Huyel Saphaba" (war warrior) by Akhil Manipur Kalakar Sammelan in recognition of his contribution in Manipuri Martial Arts, 29th April 1975.
c) Certificate of Appreciation as creative designer of the opening ceremony of the V Nationale Games in Manipur by Govt, of Manipur
d) A certificate of honour given by Manipur Peoples Party in appreciation of dedicated works in the field of Thang-Ta, 26th Dec. 1996.
e) A certificate of honour given by R.K. Ranbir Singh, (then) Chief Minister of Manipur on Occasion of Indian Republic Day Celebration-1991 in appreciation of Thang-Ta.

10. Awards and Medals :
I. Silver medal by D.S.P H.Chandrakumar for the skill and technique shown in "Laphu-Kakpa" (Slicing of the trunk banana tree), 13th Feb. 1949.
II. Gold medal by Bodhachandra, the late Maharaja of Manipur in 1951 for his skill and technique of Laphu- Kakpa
III. Manipur State Kala Akademic Award for his contributions towards cause of Thang-Ta, 1988.
IV. Chief Minister's Gold Medal for his meritorious Service in the field of Martial Arts, 1991
V. Gold Medal for Athou Thang Leiteng Haiba by The United Native Cultural Council in Action, Manipur, 2nd May 1971
VI. The prestigious Sanasam Meipak Award was given to Ojha Heramot for life acheivements by Anji Culrural Academy, 2002
VII. Gold centered Silver Medal was awarded for "ripped opened six pieces of Australian Gl. Sheet (0.63 mm thickness) with bared hands" at R.D.S. Hall Imphal East, 26th May 1952. by Imphal East Intermediate Congress Comittee, Imphal

11. Social Activities (Public Service) :
i. Established as the founder Chairman of Nongpok Naharol Seva Marup (the present Kanglei Enat Thang-Ta Shindam Sanglen), 15th May 1951.
ii. Launched for the first Enat Kanba Numit (Culture and Tradition protection day), 1975.
iii. Launched for the first Enatki Wakatpa Numit (Protest Day of Indigenous Manipuri Tradition), 1976.
iv. Organised the month long workshops on Manipuri Martial Arts, Sarei-Sara and Meehat-Meekal at different venues in the month of June-Aug. 1978 i.e.
a) Khurai Soibam Leikai, Mari Leirak
b) Nagamapal
c) Uripok Naoremthong and
d) Haobam Marak
v. Participated as a living legend of Manipuri Thang-Ta in Seminars and lecture cum demonstrations organised by the NGOs and the state.

12. Publications and Audio Visuals :
I. Written and published six books to his credit under the title of

• Sarei-Sara (1978),
• Meehat-Meekal (1984),
• Thang-Ta (1986),
• Oinam Bijando (1993),
• Khurai Nanba (1998) and
• Akhunba Liklu Pareng (1994)

- (All the titles are based on the rules of Martial 'Tradition health and hygiene)
II. CD Video film- Thawai Meeral based on the life and work of the Guru L. Heramot Meitei was created, 1991

13. Contact Address :
Ojha Leitanthem Heramot
Chief Organiser,
Kanglei Enat Thang-Ta Shindam Sanglen Kongpal
Chanam Leikai, Imphal East P.O. Imphal, Manipur
State (India) PIN Code: 795001

A student of the 'Second-generation-student' of the patriot, Paona Brajabasi, the hero of the Anglo Manipuri War fought in 1891.

N.B. LAPHU-KAKPA:- Is an Art created by Ojha L. Heramot during late forties. It manifests the extreme control and technique of the art by the sword-man in slicing a trunk of the banana plant created on the ground at 90 Degrees with and water filled earthenpot kept on the top of the plant into seven (7) pieces without disturbing its original position

Browse gallery on "Huiyen Lallon Demo by Leitanthem Heramot" here.

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* This Bio-data was sent by Khilton Nongmaithem & Ranjit Khuman (both Thang-Ta proponent and practitioners). This was webcasted on February 21, 2009.

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