Manipuri culture showcased in Beijing
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 28 2025: In a historic moment for Manipuri culture and diplomacy, three young artistes from Manipur captivated a global audience at a landmark cultural event titled "LEICHAL" held at Swami Vivekananda Auditorium of the Embassy of India in Beijing, China.

The event which was organised by the Embassy of India marked the first-ever Manipuri cultural showcase at the Embassy's cultural venue.

The performances featured a vibrant display of traditional Manipuri performing arts by Donna Ngairangbam and Undanna Leimapokpam, both postgraduate students of Manipur University of Culture (MUC), along with Zerin Moirangthem, who recently completed her MA from the Shanghai Theatre Academy (STA), China.

Presentations of Pena Esei - Kokta Lamjel, Thougal Jagoi, Thang Leiteng Jagoi, and Kanglai Thokpa, performed with spiritual grace and rhythmic precision, were the main highlights of the event.

The audience, comprising diplomats, Chinese nationals, scholars and Indian diaspora members, responded with standing ovations and emotional appreciation.

All seats were fully booked within hours, prompting the organisers to expand seating capacity.

However, many spectators stood along aisles and galleries to witness the rare showcase of Manipuri cultural heritage.

Director of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) at the Embassy of India, Neetu Rajan described the evening as "truly historic and emotionally profound".

She observed that the uniqueness of the performers' cultural expression and their facial features prompted spontaneous connections with shared ancestral roots across Asia.

"LEICHAN," she said, "has not only deepened cultural understanding but also opened a new chapter of artistic diplomacy between India and China" .

The event coincided with the ceremonial function and Degree Awarding Ceremony of Shanghai Summer School, a Chinese Opera Course, organised by Shanghai Theatre Academy.

Donna and Undanna represented MUC in the international programme alongside Zerin, who was already enrolled at STA .

The three artistes received certificates recognising their participation among other global students.

MUC deputy registrar and director of College Development Council (CDC) Dr Lourembam Surjit Singh was officially deputed to represent the university at the ceremony.

The ceremony which was held across four STA campuses in Shanghai was a celebration of both academic and cultural unity.

Dr Surjit said that although the vice-chancellor of MUC was initially scheduled to accompany him, an urgent meeting of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) in New Delhi required his presence and could not attend the event.

He said that the visit laid the foundation for promising academic and cultural collaboration between MUC and STA.

MUC expressed hope to host STA delegates during upcoming state events like Sangai Festival, subject to government initiative.

Similarly, senior officials and students of MUC are expected to visit Shanghai to explore further cooperation in theatre, music, research, and intercultural dialogue.

"LEICHAN" was more than a cultural event, it was a spiritual and artistic offering, connecting ancient Manipuri traditions with global audiences.

It symbolises a new beginning for cross-cultural friendship between India and China, the MUC statement added.

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