Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi, Manipuri classical dancer, conferred prestigious Padma Shri Award
- Announcement made on eve of 76th Republic Day, 26th January 2025 -

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Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi, Manipuri classical dancer :: Pix - Chronicle News Service

This news item was published at The People's Chronicle (With inputs from PTI) on January 28 2025 Edition

Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi, a Manipuri classical dancer, has been conferred the prestigious Padma Shri Award for her contributions to the art form. The announcement was made on the eve of the 76th Republic Day.

Born in 1946 at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai in Imphal West district, Suryamukhi's passion for classical dance began since early childhood. Influenced by her family and local elders, she developed a deep interest in the art form and received her first formal training under Yambem Mahavir and Padma Shri awardee Meishnam Amubi. Her initial training took place at Pathsala, a school in her locality.

By the age of 12, she joined the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) in 1958, where she honed her skills under Y Mahavir, H Tomba, T Amudon, Kh Lokeshwar, A Yaimabi, and Th Babu. Suryamukhi became an artiste of Nirtya Ashram, founded by Yambem Mahavir, and performed across the country and abroad.

In 1954, she was part of a six-member Manipuri cultural delegation that performed at the erstwhile Soviet Union, her first international exposure. She later performed in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, representing Manipuri cultural dance on global stages.

She also collaborated with renowned contemporary choreographers Apurukarta Prabhat Ganguly and Narendra Sharma, took key roles in Manipuri dance dramas under Guru Amubi's direction from 1960, and performed at the Tagore Centenary and Geeta Govinda seminar in 1961, organised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

Suryamukhi joined the production unit of JNMDA as a senior dancer in 1975 . Her repertoire includes classical Manipuri dance forms like Raas Leela, tribal folk dance, and Lai Haraoba. She recalled that despite the recognition, she faced challenges, including societal indifference against women in theatrical arts and dance.

Throughout her career, Suryamukhi received numerous awards and honours for her contributions to Manipuri dance. In 1985, she was honoured with the Manipur Kala Akademi award, and in 1999, she received the Nirtya Bhusan Upadhi from Manipur Sahitya Parishad.

The Sangeet Natak Akademi recognised her with an award in 2003, and in 20'09, she was conferred the Guru Tarunkumar Saman.

Speaking about her journey, the 89-year-old expressed gratitude for the recognition and recalled her debut in theatre with the play 'Modhuchandra', where she portrayed the daughter of Maharaj Bhagyachandra, a pioneer of Manipuri Vaishnavism.

She noted that the 1940s were a period when Hinduism was at its peak in Imphal valley, and children were inclined towards dance and arts under the guidance of gurus. Chief minister N Biren congratulated Suryamukhi on being conferred the Padma Shri, acknowledging her dedication of over five decades.

In a post on X, he praised her iconic performances at events like the Tag-ore Centenary and Geeta Govinda seminar, highlighting her role in elevating Manipuri dance to national and international prominence.

Reflecting on her achievements, Suryamukhi said she would never forget her first international performance in Russia, where the Manipuri cultural delegation was appreciated by the government for their outstanding contributions. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunities to represent Manipur and Indian culture worldwide, leaving behind a legacy of artistic excellence.