Narendra Ningomba conferred 'Iboyaima Award'
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 12 2025: The Manipur State Shumang Leela Council conferred its prestigious annual "Iboyaima Award" for the year 2025 to celebrated Shumang Leela artiste, director, and writer Narendra Ningomba.

The award ceremony was held as part of the observance of "Shumang Leela Numit", organised by the Council at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, on Saturday.

The award carries a cash prize of Rs 15,000, along With a certificate and shawl.

Born in 1958 at Khongman Okram Chuthek, Narendra Ningomba - son of the late Ningombam Iboton Singh and currently residing at Wangkhei Angom Leikai Hidam Lampak - has acted in around 63 Shumang Leela plays and directed numerous productions.

Narendra Ningomba conferred 'Iboyaima Award'

He has also written lyrics for many songs featured in Shumang Leela performances.

Beyond his contributions to Shumang Leela, he has acted in various films and has received several accolades over the years.

Some of the notable plays he has featured in include Ashira Meoibagi Punshi, Nungshi-bei Cheinakhol, Lanpunggi Pungkhol, Khomlang Laman, Miss Sangbannabi, Keishamthong Thoibi, Pari Ahal, Love 2000, Itinphamda Sambal, and Hingbagi Mamal, among others.

Speaking as the chief guest at the event, Manipur University of Culture vice-chancellor Paonam Gunindro shared that they had approached the University Grants Commission (UGC) to include various Manipuri art forms, including Shumang Leela, in undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Emphasising the uniqueness of Shumang Leela, he stressed the collective responsibility to preserve and promote this traditional art form.

The programme, presided over by Manipur State Shu-mang Leela Council chief advisor Dr Moirangthem Nara, was attended by art and culture deputy director G Dharmadas Sharma as guest of honour.

Senior Shumang Leela artistes were presented with gifts in recognition of their invaluable contributions.

The event also featured a performance of Panthou Sangai, which was awarded Best Production Play for 2023 .