12th Shumang Leela Numit celebrated
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 12 2013 : The 12th Shumang Leela Numit (Day) was celebrated with grandeur at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen today under the aegis of Manipur State Shumang Leela Council.

As part of the celebration Ayekpam Inakkhunba Singh was honoured with the Thokchom Iboyaima Award.

The celebration function was graced by Deputy CM Gaikhangam; Chief Adviser of Manipur State Shumang Leela Council, Dr M Nara and Adviser of MSSLC and MLA K Ranjit as the chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.

The significant highlight of the celebration was the presentation of Thokchom Iboyaima Award to a towering artist, Ayekpam Inakkhunba Singh.

A resident of Heingang Mayai Leikai, Innakkhunba Singh (b Oct 10, 1938), who is better known for his role as 'Devdas' in his magnum opus of the same title, was honoured in recognition of his lifetime dedication for the cause and his contribution towards the perfection of the art form.

The award carries Rs 10,000, citation, and a shawl.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution in Shumang Leela, the Manipur State Kala Akademi had awarded Manipur State Kala Award to A Inakkhunba besides being honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Upadhi Natya Bhuman.

To his credit, Inakkhunba has already won the Manipur State Kala Akademi Shumang Leela Festival award, Best Actor award for eight times, four times each of best supporting actor and best director awards, 2nd best director twice, and a special jury mention award.

Some of his celebrated plays included Devdas, Fifty Thousand, Ningol Chapter-1 and 2, Mani Mamou, Yongnao Mi ni, Sanapat ki Thariktha, Chumthang gi Machu.

Meanwhile, speaking at the occasion, MLA Ranjit Singh said that all out efforts have been made for allocation of fund in annual budget of the State.

Dr M Nara pointed out that the draft for State culture policy has been completed.

However, it could not be implemented as the Cabinet is yet to give its approval.

He urged the Government to do the needful at the earliest.

Artists from the Sanaleibak Artists' Association displayed a play, 'E Mari' .

Av Academic session of Shumang Leela was also held after the celebration programme.

The academic session was graced by H Dileep Singh, Director of Education (S); Sankhya Ibotombi Haorokcham, theatre scholar and P Dhanakumar Singh, Chairman of BOSEM as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

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