It’s good that the PM at least acknowledged one of our iconic singers, from India’s Northeast. But remember, when one of the greatest playwrights and theatre directors Oja Ratan Thiyam passed away, what did you do then? A contemptuous silence!

The same silence on the tragedy in the state or you not acknowledging in your speech at Kangla (Imphal) the Speaker of the Manipur State Assembly, let alone the former CM, who was present in that gathering! Although Oja Ratan Thiyam need no introduction to those in the field of theatre, it needs to be reiterated that he was a cultural giant who revolutionized Indian theatre by introducing new idioms and strengthening threatrical moorings in indigenous and traditional performing arts.

A Sangeet Natak Academy and Padma Shree Awardee, he also served as the Director and the Chairman of the National School of Drama, and a fellow and the Vice Chairman of Sangeet Natak Academy. An internationally recognised playwright and theatre director, he was awarded La Grande Medaille, 1997 (France) and Fringe First Award, 1987 (Edinburgh International Festival).

When such a cultural icon expired, you didn’t utter a word of condolences. Why? Because he’s a Manipuri, someone who belongs to the Meitei community? Who says all Indians are one! Not certainly to the PM Modi.

~ A. Bimol Akoijam, MP Manipur

Promotional | North East Integration Rally