Jawaharlal Ningombam: A melodious journey through music
Source: Chronicle News Service / Mission Oinam

Imphal, January 16 2024: Despite its small size and population, Manipur has been able to occupy its own place in the world of art and culture, and sports.

The culturally rich state known for its vibrant art and sporting prowess, can also boast a gem in the world of music -Jawaharlal Ningombam.

Beyond enchanting listeners with his soulful flute, Jawaharlal is a versatile artist, doubling as composer and writer.

His accomplishments extend beyond the realm of music, with his book "Eikhoigee Toudri" garnering acclaims from different literary organisations.

His book 'Eikhoigee Toudri' had won several awards presented by different literary organisations.

Jawaharlal has carved out a niche for himself, not only in Manipuri songs but also in Hindi, Garhwali, Ladakhi, Bhojpuri, Nepali, and Bengali.

His dedication and passion have earned him the distinction of being the youngest musician in the state to receive the Manipur State Kala Akademi award for his innovative contributions to music.

Jawaharlal Ningombam's achievement is not just an overnight feat but the result of his years of hard work and dedication.

Since early childhood, Jawaharlal would often go about looking for bamboo branches from his locality to make his own flutes and play them.

Led by his passion, he taught himself the art of flute playing and local people would often give him platforms in Lai Haraoba festivals to display his skill.

As he won appreciation from many, Jawaharlal took up a professional course and became a professional musician.

Born on April 1, 1975 to (late) Ningombam Kwaklei and (late) Maipakpi of Ningombam Mayai Leikai in Thoubal district, Jawaharlal has completed graduation in the academic line and Sangeet Nipun in flute in professional music course.

He has four elder sisters and two younger brothers.

He is now working as a staff artiste in the Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

"I was born in a poor family.

In fact, my family was the poorest in our locality.

As a child, I often went to collect leftover paddy rice from the fields after harvest to support my family.

My early life was filled with hardships and discontentment," Jawaharlal told The People's Chronicle during a chat.

He said that his first tryst with flute was when one of his friends brought a flute when they were children.

As he tried playing the instrument, he had developed a passion for flute and since then he would often make his own flutes with bamboo branches, many of which did not work while some did.

As he started practicing on his own, he was able to play music.

He joined Semikaj, a musical group in Thoubal Ningombam while practicing on his own.

Later, Surat, a flute artiste from Singjamei, recognised his skill and paved way for his professional career.

In 1989-90, when he was studying in class 11, he joined Roop Raag, which also led to a turning point in his career.

At that time, he played flute for popular singer Oinam Swamikumar's song 'Eigee Nungsibadi Mamal Naide' and music lovers started to notice his skill from that song, Jawaharlal Said.

He also shared about the sad reality of musicians in the state saying that people hardly know musicians no matter how beautifully they perform and contribute to the popularity of the songs.

Only a few music lovers would notice them.

The situation is much better for composers, he added.

Jawaharlal joined the song and drama division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as a staff artiste in 1999 and stayed in Delhi for several years.

He also worked as flute and keyboard player at T-Series Music Company from 1999-2003 under a contract.

From 2006 to 2009, he worked with established Indian singers as music composer and director for the national light and sound programmes like 'Kranti yatra' and 'Purv Ke Rakhwale' .

After that, he returned home and worked with Roop Raag as a music director and com -poser for many films.

He had also given live performances as music composer and flute artiste.

His latest musical creations are volume 1 and 2 of 'Yenningee Ihool', a composition of instrumental solos.

Mention may be made here that Jawaharlal Ningombam had also composed music for some Shumang Leelas of Iramdam Manipur Artistes' Association (IMAA).

He won Best Music Director's award for 'Waree Loidri' of IMAA in Shumang Leela Festival 2015; Best Music Director in Nongin Music Video Festival 2018 and Manipur State Kala Akademi Award in creative music in 2021.His book 'Eikhoigee Toudri' has also won the annual award of Khorirol Sandok Lup, Thoubal, and also selected for Yambem Mani Sahitya Mana, 2023 .

Through unwavering dedication, Jawaharlal Ningombam has transcended from humble beginnings to becoming a symbol of artistic excellence, contributing significantly to Manipur's cultural legacy.

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