Need to understand extend of threat to state: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, January 24 2025:
Chief Minister N Biren attended the awards ceremony of the 21st Shumang Leela Ningtham Kumhei, 2024-2025 and performance of "3rd May" (Shumang Leela Play) held at Th Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, here, on Friday.
During the programme, organised by Manipur State Shumang Leela Council, eminent theatre director Ratan Thiyam was honoured with the Pidonnu Award, carrying cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, honorary shawl and citation.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, CM Biren lauded contributions by the artistes to the society during these difficult times in the state.
He maintained that the state government had always been providing support to artistes of the State.
As such, theatre director Ratan Thiyam was honoured with the Life Tune Achievement Award, acknowledging his contribution in the field of art and culture during the celebration of the 54th Statehood Day, he added.
Biren further recalled'the role played by Shumang Leela artistes during the COVID-19 pandemic by creating mass awareness.
At the time, when people were earlier reluctant to vaccinate themselves, he consulted popular artistes for organising street plays to create awareness on the importance of taking vaccination and the artistes stepped up for the task, he recounted.
The CM further stated that many people are still unaware about the root cause of the present unprecedented crisis and often get carried away by emotions.
As such, there is a need to understand the level of threat to the community and state as a whole, and to collectively fend off the threats as one entity.
Biren also expressed hope that through the medium of Shumang Leela, the public could be made aware of the core issues of the present crisis.
He informed that the government had already allocated around Rs 2.5 crore for upgrading of the Th Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen along with confiding that process is underway to renovate the Rumahal theatre.
The government has already consulted architects, he said, while appealing to relevant experts to share their suggestions.
In his speech, Ratan Thiyam praised the government for taking welfare initiatives to support the artistes of the state.
He said that the tourism sector of the state will play a crucial role in the process of cultural integration to showcase unity in diversity and urged for everyone's support in this regard.
Manipur will become a true 'Sanaleibak' only when the cultural integration is made possible, he stated.
During the function, the CM presented awards to scriptwriter Okram Kunjo (N Birendrakumar Award), scriptwriter Nabadwip Ningthouja (Babu Yaima Award), musician K Devan Sharma (Modhumangol Award), actor Thokchom Ramani Devi (BJC Sharma Award), former Manipur State Shumang Leela Council president Purnimashi Leima (Moirangningthau Award), female voice singer Keisham Tomba Meitei (Gojen Award), Khunjamayum Dhakeshwar (Popular Award), singer James Heikrujam (Gulamchat Ideal Award), senior actor Ayekpam Inakhunba (Shanti Award), and actor/director Momon Goswami (Oja Bori Award) .
The awards include cash prize, honorary shawl and citation each.
The programme was attended by Rajya Sabha MP and titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba as president, while Water Resources minister Awangbow Newmai, CAF & PD minister L Susindro Meitei, Veterinary minister Khasim Vashum, Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing, and Lamsang MLA Sorokhaibam Rajen Singh were guests of honour along with other renowned artistes of the state.
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