Nata Sangeet Academy celebrates 33rd Foundation Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 12 2026: Nata Sangeet Academy and Research Centre, Yaiskul Janmasthan, celebrated its 33rd Foundation Day along with the closing function of a onemonth workshop cum production on "Kartal Cholom in Nata Sankirtana" at Nityainanda Mandop, Yaiskul Yumnam Leikai today.

The workshop was conducted under the CMAT scheme of the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur.

The function was attended by Joint Director, Department of Art and Culture, G Dharmadas Sharma as chief guest, Deputy Secretary of Manipur State Kala Akademi K Rajumani Singh as guest of honour and President of Nata Sangeet Academy and Research Centre S Vedeshwar Sharma as president.

As part of the programme, floral tributes were offered to the photographs of late gurus who played a pivotal role in establishing the academy.

The academy also conferred its annual Ningthoujam Angangyaima Memorial Life Achievement Award to Guru Thokchom Ibohal Singh of Singjamei Chingamakha Liwa Maibam Leikai for his contributions in Pung.

The award carries cash prize, shawl and citation.

Speaking on the occasion, Academy general secretary Wairokpam Shantikumar Singh said that since its inception, the academy has been striving to spread awareness about the role of Nata Sankirtana in society.

He added that the academy will continue to work with gurus to restore and preserve the declining Taals and Raas in their authentic form.

G Dharmadas Sharma observed that Nata Sankirtana is intertwined with every ritual from birth to death, yet despite being recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, its true benefits are yet to be realized.

He said unnecessary modifications in traditional practices in the name of modernity are eroding the beauty of Nata Sankirtana, and called upon senior gurus to collectively work for elevating the art form to greater heights.

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