25 senior artistes feted with Swayamsiddh Samman
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, September 19 2016:
Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) Foundation, which spearheads the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of the company, today felicitated 25 senior artistes of the State, who have contributed significantly to the traditional art, culture and performing art o f Manipur, with the prestigious ' Swayamsiddh Samman' .
The 25 artistes were felicitated with the award in recognition of their commitment and confidence that have enabled them to overcome adversities and create a unique identity of their own, making them a source of inspiration for many in the State.
The awards were given away by Dr Najma A Heptulla, the Governor of Manipur, in the presence of Shallu Jindal, President, JSPL Foundation and eminent Kuchipudi danseuse, and Aruna Oswal, Chairperson, Oswal Group at PAL Complex located at Lamboi khongnangkhong, Imphal West.
The awards comprised of a citation, a shawl and cash award of Rs 5000 each.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Dr Najma A Heptulla said that she is pleased to felicitate the artistes of the State who have contributed significantly to the traditional art, culture and performing art of Manipur.
Dr Najma Heptulla further stated that she felt happy and humbled to be the Governor of Manipur, a land so rich in its culture and tradition.
She said Manipur has lots of talented artistes who have made a mark of their own and who have shown the world the rich culture and tradition of the State through their work.
Dr Heptulla admired the unique initiative of JSPL Foundation to recognize and honour the traditional artistes and exponents of ethnic art.
She said, "I thank the awardees for dedicating their life in preserving and promoting art and culture of Manipur" .
She also thanked Shallu Jindal for taking up such initiative and identifying the grassroot talents from far-long places of Manipur and honouring them.
She also mentioned that as the Governor of Manipur, she will work to promote the rich traditional and cultural heritage of the State.
Further she expressed hope that the veteran artistes would extend their help in making Manipur Cultural University a success.
, Shallu Jindal, president, JSPL Foundation -said that the 25 awardees were short-listed on the basis of their contribution to the particular initiative that they have been a part of and how they have taken it forward to change their lives.
From the coming month JSPL Foundation will be providing social security support of Rs 5000 per month to each of the recipients for the next two years, she said.
The felicitation of the artists was reportedly conducted on the request of Manipuri Dancer and National Awardee Sinam Basu Singh, also an artist of PAL, who met Shallu Jindal sometime back.
The 25 senior artistes who were felicitated today are Hijam Gourasing, Loitongbafn Chaoba, Soubam Gouradhan, Nameirakpam ongbi Ibemni Devi, Lourembam Pishak Devi, Leishangthem Babujao, Leimapokpam Yaima Meitei, Loitam Tomal Meitei, Moirangthem Mani, Laishram Kunjaraj Meetei, Tongbram Tampakleima Devi, Moirangthem Jbomcha Singh, Dongkhojam Lunkim, R Neirengbum Kom, K Tomba Kom, Pukhrambam Thoinu Devi, As Tuichar, Haorongbam Bishwaroop, Ayekpam Inakhunba, Gurumayum Jadu Sharma, Wahengbam Inakhunbi Leima, Kshetrimayum Ibetombi Devi, Hemam Achouba, Koning Teshor and Ngangom Ebopishak.
'Swayamsiddh Samman' has been instituted by the JSPL Foundation to recognize and reward the heroes who are normally not recognized in the public for their contribution to the field of art, music, sculpture, dance, drama and other ethnic performing arts both at National and State level.
The Award was launched in 2015 and has so far been given to more than 160 deserving people at State and National level.
The 2nd edition of 'Swayamsiddh Samman' was organised at Bhanja Kala Mandap, Bhubaneswar, on August 11 this year.
Srimad Guruji Budhabapa and Padma Bibhushan Dr Raghunath Mohapatra, eminent Sculpture and president, Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi also graced the occasion.