RKCS Birth Centenary Art Exhibition kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 06 2025: The Arts Society Manipur on Saturday kicked off the 5-day RKCS Birth Centenary Art Exhibition at Manipur State Art Gallery, Palace Compound.

Sponsored by RKCS Museum Keishamthong, 87 works of 51 artists will be on display at the exhibition which will continue till September 10 .

Today's ceremony started with an offering of floral tribute to the portrait of Rajkumar Chandrajitsana Singh, the legendary painter who is popularly known as RKCS.

Notable dignitaries present at the event include Mayanglambam Rajkumar, Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West; Dr Keisham Sobita Devi, chairperson, RKCS Birth Centenary Celebration Committee and Dr Kshetrimayum Jugindro, president i/c, Arts Society Manipur as the chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.

At the event, Sahitya Akademi Awardee and noted poet Saratchand Thiyam spoke about the life and contributions of RKCS.

Notably, a catalogue of the exhibition was also released.

Delivering the keynote address, RK Budhimanta, secretary, RKCS Birth Centenary Celebration Committee, described RKCS as a pioneer artist who pursued the goal of elevating the visual art movement in Manipur.

He said that a year-long observation of his birth centenary began on October 13, 2024 to honour the visual arts legend.

Saying that the art exhibition is part of this yearlong celebration, he said that the works of 35 male artists and 16 female artists are on display.

Out of the 87 works of art, 65 are paintings while the remaining 22 are graphics, he added.

He also announced that Khundongbam Sadananda has been selected to receive the RKCS Birth Centenary Art Award for his work "Returning Home" from amongst the participating artists.

Meanwhile, Mangsatabam Samson Meitei and Yumlembam Udoynanda will receive Honourable Mentions for their work "Punshigi Khongchatta Mama" and "Ephemeral Dawn" respectively.

The awards will be distributed at the 101st birth anniversary of RKCS on October 13, 2025 .

Addressing the gathering, Imphal West DC Mayanglambam Rajkumar noted that the exhibition hall is decked with significant works of art depicting the history, society and culture of Manipur.

Saying that some of the exhibits paint an emotional picture of the ongoing conflict, he lauded every single work.

The Imphal West DC also encouraged more steps to popularize and uplift the visual art movement in Manipur.

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