Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, November 30 2009:
Noted artist of Manipuri Classical dance and Manipuri Nat Sankirtan Pung, Padmashree Thingbaijam Babu (b February 11, 1936) passed away yesterday at his residence located at Uripok Naoremthong Leikai.
Thingbaijam Babu was one of the most outstanding pung artist of Manipur Nat Sankirtana and a widely respected Ras Guru.
Apart from receiving the Padmashree in 2007, he was recipient of various awards for his outstanding achievements.
He was awarded a fellowship on dance by Sangeet Natak Akademy in 1970-71, He received the Akhil Manipur Sanmilan Award 'Nritya Charya' in 1984, Sangeet Natak Award in 1991, Manipur Sahitya Parishad Award 'Nritya Ratna' in 1997, Guru Tarunkumar Sanman in 2006, and NETV People Choice Award in 2006 .
Th Babu was the Director of Manipur Jagoi Marup, Imphal from 1970 to 1980.He was also the principal and Pradhan Guru at Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, Imphal.