L Birendrakumar conferred Padma Shri Award
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, April 28 2017:
Noted Manipuri musicologist Laishram Birendrakumar Singh (97) was recently conferred Padma Shri Award, the country's fourth highest civilian award for his contribution to music.
Owing to health issues, he could not travel to Delhi to receive the award at an investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
As such the prestigious award was presented -to him by Chief Secretary O Nabakishore Singh at his
residence at Kwakeithel Ningthemkol Leikai today.
On receiving the Padma Shri, Birendrakumar said, "I feel very happy.
I have dedicated myself to the study of scientific approach to Manipuri folk music.
The prestigious award means the Government of India has acknowledged by work." He said learning folk music promotes communal harmony in the State by bridging the gap between different communities and enhances emotional bonding amongst them.
He said that he is highly elated that he is acknowledged for his contribution to music at this age.
Conveying that he had a great inclination toward folk music since a very early age, Birendrakumar exhorted that due respect must be given to folk music as a mark of respecting one's identity and culture.
He also spoke of how he used to speak on topics related to folk music and Lai Haraoba at seminars and workshops.
He further expressed the need to understand folk music in order to preserve the indigenous Meitei tradition and identity.
Laishram Birendrakumar Singh, who is also a Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, advised the young folks of today to respect folk music as it contains ingredients of wisdom.
Chief Secretary O Nabakishore lauded Birendrakumar and said he has done the State proud.
The Chief Secretary also wished him that he may achieve higher laurels like the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
Retired IAS officer RK Nimai, Director JN Dance Academy L Upendro, retired Vice-Chairman JN Dance Academy Prof N Tombi and other officials attended the presentation ceremony, conveyed a press release issued by DIPR.