State Shumang Leela day on April 12
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 10 2012:
Conferring of Iboyaima Award to M Ningthem Singh and Iboyaima Shumang Leela Fellowship to columnist of The Sangai Express (Manipuri) Nomita Khongbantabam would mark the 11th Shumang Leela Day on April 12 .
President of Manipur State Shumang Leela Council, Ph Gunachandra Sharma told reporters today at its office that April 12 has been observed as Shumang Leela (Street Play) Day since 2003 .
The day would be celebrated this year at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen.
The day marks the formation of Manipur State Shumang Council in 1984 .
He said the day gains significance when one of the pioneers of the Shumang Leela in the State Iboyaima passed away on April 12, 2001.A mass rally was also taken out by artistes of the State on April 12, 2002 .
To commemorate the essence of the day, April 12 has been observed as Shumang Leela Day with several activities for the upliftment of the artistes, he said.
Ph Gunachandra said, to mark the event this year, prominent artistes Mangsatabam Ningthem, popularly known as Joylakhsmi, would be conferred the Iboyaima Award.
Meanwhile, the Iboyaima Fellowship for one year would also be awarded to columnist of The Sangai Express, Nomita Khongbantabam to acknowledge her contribution as well as to encourage her to do more research in the field, he added.
The programme would be graced by Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, Th Lokeshwar as the chief guest.
Adviser of Manipur State Shumang Leela Council, K Ranjit, MLA and Commissioner of Art and Culture department, RK Nimai would be the president and guest of honour respectively.