16 persons honoured with awards & fellowships
Governor calls for preservation of culture
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 09 2009: Manipur State Kala Akademi today presented Akademi awards 2008 to 16 distinguished personalities in the fields of art, culture and literature at a solemn function held at Kangla hall here.

State Governor, Gurbachan Jagat graced the function as chief guest.

Akademi fellowships were conferred on Ningthemmayum ongbi Mangi Shija and Dr Moirangthem Kriti, while Manipur State Kala Akademi awards (dance) for the year 2008 were conferred on Nongthonbam Amusana and Lukram Manglembi, Kshetrimayum Godhador and Ngangom Ngoubi (music).

Theatre award went to Ningombam Jadumani, Shumang Leala award to Nandeibam Iboyaima, Khongjom Parba to Maibam Tomba, folk music to Pukhrambam Ningol Thoinu, Thang-ta to Sanjenbam Yaima, Tribal culture to Darenglian Aimol and Lanthunglan Guite, literature award to Kshetrimayum Bira and fine art to Khundongbam Ojit and Vareimi Shinglai.

Governor Gurbachan Jagat presenting Akademi award to a distinguished personality, Commissioner, Art and Culture, P Bharat looks on

The award carries cash amount of Rs 7000, a citation and a shawl each.

Commissioner (Art & Culture) P Bhorot presided over the fellowship and award distribution function.

Delivering his address as chief guest, Governor, Gurbachan Jagat lauded the effort of the Akademi to present awards and fellows to the people working in the fields of dance, music, theatre, shumang leela, other forms of art, thang-ta, literature, tribal culture and fine arts in recognition to their outstanding services in their respective fields.

"Art and culture is a unifying force and a catalyst to bring peace and harmony amongst the people, which is required most today in a society like ours," the Governor observed stressing the need for preservation and promotion.

The effort of the Akademy will help a lot in preserving and promoting the rare and unique cultural heritage of the state apart from encouraging the efforts of individual scholars and artistes.

"No doubt, such efforts of the Akademi have become significant and provided requisite recognition to the outstanding scholars and artistes, for which, I complement the MSKA," Gurbachan.

The Governor also praised the Akademi on knowing that 348 awards in different in different fields of arts and culture by the Akademi and honoured 64 persons as fellows, receiving national Akademi awards by 54 personality of the state by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi.

Fifty-three Manipuri writers have so been honoured with Sahitya Akademi Awards including 19 for translation works by the Sahitya Akademi New Delhi and one with Lalit Akademi, he revealed expressing proud of these achievements.

Manipur is in fact recognized in not only in India but also in other parts of the world by its rich cultural heritage.

The state of Manipur and its people have been identified by its distinct and rich cultural tradition, the governor said.