Thang-Ta, Mime Festival held to honour Sangeet Natak Akademi awardees
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 04 2026: A festival showcasing Thang-Ta and Mime performances was held today at the JN Manipur Dance Academy Auditorium, organised under the aegis of Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, to honour two State awardees.

Chingtham Ranj it Khuman received the Akademi Award 2022 for Thang-Ta, while Dr Yumnam Sadananda Singh, Director of Kanglei Mime Theatre Repertory, was conferred the 2023 award for Mime, popularly known as Pebet.

Dr Sadananda said the festival is part of the Akademi's initiative to present performances of 2022 and 2023 awardees in their respective States.

He noted the awards recognise years of dedication and urged artists not to stop their efforts, as success will follow.

He added that the President presents the awards, and scheduling delays led to 2022 and 2023 awards being giyen in 2024, while 2024-25 awards are yet to be announced.

He also expressed concern over the Ministry of Culture's cancellation of repertory grants for 126 Manipur cultural organisations, calling it unfortunate as art and culture define India's identity.

Chingtham Ranjit Khuman said it was disappointing that awardees are not accorded proper respect post-award, and formal communication is often lacking.

Comment