Hazarika award sits well on Thiyam's crown
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 08, 2013:
Pune based NGO Sarhad has conferred the 2nd Bhupen Hazarika National Award on renowned theatre personality Ratan Thiyam.
The award was handed over to Ratan Thiyam by famous actor/director Amol Palekar today at Maratha Chamber of Commerce auditorium, Pune, Maharashtra.
Bhupen Hazarika's son Tej Hazarika was also present at the award presentation ceremony.
Speaking at the occasion, Amol Palekar threw light on outstanding contributions of Bhupen Hazarika and presently Ratan Thiyam, specially in North-Eastern theatre.
Amol Palekar said, "Language is no barrier to understand culture and art because theatre has a unique language which is commonly understood by the audience".
He also appreciated the efforts being made by Ratan Thiyam to make the North-Eastern theatre rich and prosperous.
In his speech, Ratan Thiyam said that he was really fortunate to receive the award at Pune.
He also conveyed his gratitude to Sarhad for recognising his contribution in the field of theatre, art and culture.
He recalled his best memories of Bhupen Hazarika with whom he worked.
He tanked Sanjay Nahar, the founder president of Sarhad for choosing him for the prestigious award.
Sanjay said that he was satisfied in conferring the award to the most deserving person.
"Ratan Thiyam is the most liable person and source of inspiration and motivation for the rest to emulate", Sanjay Nahar said.
Notably, Ratan Thiyam was appointed chairperson of the National School of Drama (NSD) New Delhi in August this year.
He was honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 1987, Padma Sree in 1989 and Sangeet Natak Fellow in 2013.His play Chakravyuh won the prestigious Fringe Firsts Award at Edinburgh International Theatre Festival in 1987.Ratan Thiyam was the second Indian recipient of John D Rockfeller Award.