JNMDA's journey of sixty years

Rajmani Ayekpam *

'Nongdol Leima' : Dance drama at JNMDA Auditorium in May 2014 :: Pix - Daniel Chabungbam

Nobody argued the contribution of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) in the field of Manipuri culture and performing arts. Since its inception in the year 1954 JNMDA has been playing a very important role to mould the picturesque of Manipuri cultural life and performing arts. It is known that JNMDA is a constituent part of Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi.

The every step of a Manipuri is surrounded by a large number of dos and don'ts of cultural elements. Those cultural elements are again associated with performing arts like dance and music. For a Manipuri life, from birth to death, it has particular rituals at various stages of life. Rituals songs are much necessitated at every ritual ceremonies.

On the other hand, Manipur is famous for its high cultural value. So, large numbers of trained artistes are required to perform such important duties of cultural life of the state. In ancient times, education system was also done on Gurukul system. So, such trained artistes were very limited and can't meet the demands required by society.

The socio-political life of this state is controlled by smooth conducting of its cultural life. Even, a powerful king was also controlled by a large number of ritualistic duties. Anybody who acted against the cultural life of the society may face a lot of difficulties and he / she may not live peacefully. So, any valued citizen of the society tried not to confrontation with cultural life of the society.

When JNMDA comes to this state cultural life and performing arts of this state have been come to better way with a modern outlook. Earlier, the authentic cultural element was concentrated to few fortunate ones and had no secular outlook. Since JNMDA established, learning of performing arts with cultural milieu has been institutionalized and became an opportunity for anybody who wished to learn. Besides, JNMDA can play better role to shape cultural life and performing arts of this state.

Modern education system and pop culture have destroyed the beautiful but ritualistic cultural life of Manipur day by day. Younger generation has no interest in traditional Manipuri folk song and Nat Sankirtana but they had their interest lies in pop culture and pop music. However, they can't abandon their ritualistic life style because they can't live outside of the cultural life. Their whole life circle was encircled by dos and don'ts of the traditional functions and ceremonies.

Nat Sankirtana was very much there at every important ceremonies of life like Swardha (ritual ceremony of any death person), Luhongba (weeding ceremony of any person) etc. other than involvement of Nat Sankirtana such as in famous Rasa Dance. If Nat Sankirtana removes from the life of a Manipuri (Meitei community) there was no aesthetic value in Manipuri cultural life.

So, the importance of institution like Jawarhalal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) is very much there. To produce a good number of performers, artistes and gurus is not only help to uplift the level of Manipuri performing arts but also to play an important role to shape cultural life of this state particularly Meitei community of valley. On the other hand, JNMDA do promotion of tribal dances like Mao Jagoi (Mao dance), Kabui Jagoi (Kabui dance) etc.

While imparting education of culture and performing arts JNMDA produced a good number of ballets and dance dramas at national and international standard by its production unit. Some of its productions were recognized by international level like Keibul Lamjao, one of the best productions of JNMDA got international acclimation. So, the production unit of JNMDA is a good ground for creative exercises. From famous stalwart like guru Guru Amubi to current breeds like W. Lokendrajit Singh is the best example of Manipuri creative dance. Maximum number of Sangeet Natak Akademi awardees in the field dance and music were coming from gurus and artistes from JNMDA.

The year-long diamond jubilee celebration of JNMDA (2014-2015) was completed on last 5th April, 2015 with much fun fare and concluded with more ritualistic style by performing Ahoratri Mahadhumel (Astakal) Kirtan. Workshops of Nat Sankirtana, production of new dance dramas, foreign tours, Seminars, cultural programmes and publication of books marked the year-long diamond jubilee besides academy's normal teaching programmes.

To organize Nat Sankirtana workshops at outside Manipur like Sivasagar and Cachar were more fruitful to not only to educate Manipuri culture but also enlightened value of Sankirtana in modern day. Foreign tour like Japan and Myanmar added another feather to this diamond jubilee. New production of dance drama i.e. Ahankar Viansh, revival of classical dance dramas like Keibul Lamjao and Nongdol Leima are reminiscent of its nostalgic past.

Festivals of Lai Haraoba, Festival of Khubak Eshei, Festival of Jhulon Eshei etc. were the part of JNMDA's programme to preserve its rare performing arts and music. Publication of book like Maisnam Guru Amubi Singh by Devjani Chaliha was another asset to Manipuri literature and culture.

Under the leadership of current director L. Upendra Sharma, JMDA prepares a far & good future of Manipuri performing art and culture. Any good citizen of Manipur can't ignore the contribution of JNMDA towards beautification of Manipuri culture and performing art.