Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 18 2009:
Noted singer Nongmaithem Pahari was remembered today with a solemn function on his third death anniversary at JN Manipur Dance Academy.
The main highlights of the function, organised under the aegis of the Nongmaithem Pahari Memorial Trust, were offering of floral tributes to photograph of Pahari, presentation of life-time achievement award to film maker Aribam Syam and distribution of prizes to winners of Pahari memorial song competition.
Pahari's contributions to Manipuri modern music and his other works were also re-visited during the function graced by eminent musicologist Laishram Birendrakumar and president of the Nongmaithem Pahari Memorial Trust B Jayantakumar as chief guest and president respectively.
Giving the key-note address of the function, secretary of the Trust, Leimapokpam Sunil, while recalling the contributions of Pahari to Manipuri modern music, said that promotion of modern music and felicitation of those working in the same field is the objective of the trust.
Born on August 28, 1934 at Yaiskul Moirangkhom, Pahari started singing at about 5/6 years inspired by a number of musicians and singers from other parts of the country.
Pahari sang around 600 songs in his life.
He was also good composer, Sunil recalled.
He was also music director of several Manipuri feature films.
He was felicitated with Sangeet Ratna award by Manipuri Sahitya Parishad in its 62nd annual session.
Addressing the function, Aribam Syam said that Manipuri was quite vast and liberal.
He asserted that the State Government should commission documentation of the history of Manipuri music.
Noting the contributions of lyricists in the promotion of music, Laishram Birendrakumar proposed felicitation of lyricists.
B Jayantakumar described Pahari as a legendary artist.