Many mourn demise of Ratan Thiyam
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 24 2025: Many organisations and individuals expressed deep condolences over the untimely demise of theatre legend Ratan Thiyam.

In separate releases, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation, United Committee Manipur Manipuri Ensemble, Ethno Heritage Council, Rupmahal Theatre, Kanglei Mime Theatre Repertory, Manipuri Students' Federation, Huyen Lallong Thang-Ta Cultural Association, Institute of Performing Arts, Actors Repertory Theatre, All Manipur Arts & Culture Students' Union, Manipur Semgat Sagatpa Lup, Iramdam Meeyamgi Apunba Khorjei Lup, Star Repertory, Writers' Union, Imphal, Manipur University, TMP, Manipur, PANDM, IPSA, ACOAM Lup, IPAK, KSA, ERDO, ANDOK, LOY-ALUP, KIL, CLK, KANGLA-MEI, AKSIL, MIKL, JIMWAK, IPSA Jiribam branch, SWA Jiribam branch and KSA Jiribam branch mourned the passing away of theatre maestro and playwright Padma Shri Ratan Thiyam.

Many mourn demise of Ratan Thiyam

A visionary playwright, director, poet, and philosopher, Ratan Thiyam redefined both Manipuri and Indian theatre through his masterful integration of tradition and modernity.

Through Chorus Repertory Theatre, he gifted the world timeless productions like Uttar Priyadarshi, Chakravyuha, and Andha Yug - works that were not only aesthetically profound but also served as spiritual and political meditations on the human condition.

In his absence, an entire generation feels orphaned.

Ratan Thiyam belonged not just to Manipur, but to the conscience of India and the world.

His demise leaves a deep void in the cultural and intellectual soul of our people, expressed the organisations, while praying for the departed soul to rest in people.

They also observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

Meanwhile, Pambei-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF) in a release condoled the untimely demise of Ratan Thiyam and paid respect for his unwavering efforts for development of Manipur in the field of theatre.

Describing his demise as a huge loss for Manipur, the UNLF release said that he has left behind a void that cannot be filled.

The release maintained 'Oja' was a serious and committed individual who fought against the effects of economic inequality on the poorer sections of society.

He was a compassionate person who aspired to live a simple life and worked tirelessly alongside the people for the welfare of his land and community during critical times.

The release also shared pain and grief of the bereaved family.

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma also mourned the passing away of theatre legend Ratan Thiyam.

In his social media post, Conrad said that through Ratan Thiyam's art, he not only elevated the cultural identity of his homeland but left an indelible mark on the landscape of Indian performing arts.

His legacy will continue to inspire, he said.