Imphal | Manipur’s rich cultural heritage has received national recognition once again, with seven artistes from the state being selected for the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards and the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for the years 2024-25. The honour is being seen as a significant acknowledgment of Manipur’s enduring contribution to India’s performing arts traditions and its continued role as a cradle of artistic excellence.

The recognition has brought pride and celebration across the state, with cultural bodies, artists, and the government hailing the achievements of the awardees. Known for its classical dance traditions, vibrant folk music, indigenous cultural expressions, and deeply rooted artistic practices, Manipur has long held a distinguished place in India’s cultural landscape. The selection of seven artistes in a single year further reinforces the state’s reputation as one of the country’s foremost centres of performing arts.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh congratulated the awardees and described their achievements as a matter of immense pride for Manipur. In a message shared on social media platform X, the Chief Minister said the honours reflected not only the individual accomplishments of the artistes but also the strength and vitality of Manipuri cultural traditions.

“These prestigious national honours celebrate their outstanding contributions to Manipuri dance, music and folk traditions. Their achievements are a matter of immense pride for Manipur and an inspiration to future generations,” he stated.

The Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards, conferred by India’s apex body for the performing arts, are among the highest national recognitions in the fields of music, dance, and theatre. Instituted to honour artists who have made exceptional and sustained contributions to their respective disciplines, the awards carry immense prestige within the cultural community.

This year, three eminent artistes from Manipur have been selected for the coveted Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards. They are Irengbam Nalini Devi for Manipuri Dance, Lourembam Bedabati Devi for Folk Music, and Rajkumari Thambalsana Devi for Manipuri Dance.

Their selection reflects decades of dedication to preserving, promoting, and enriching the artistic traditions of Manipur. Through years of performances, teaching, and cultural advocacy, these artists have played a vital role in ensuring that traditional forms continue to thrive in an era of rapid social and technological change.

Manipuri dance, one of India’s eight recognised classical dance forms, is renowned for its grace, spiritual depth, and intricate storytelling traditions. The recognition accorded to Irengbam Nalini Devi and Rajkumari Thambalsana Devi underscores the continuing relevance and appeal of this unique art form, which has been nurtured and refined across generations in Manipur.

Similarly, the honour bestowed upon Lourembam Bedabati Devi for Folk Music highlights the importance of preserving indigenous musical traditions that form an integral part of the state’s cultural identity. Folk music in Manipur reflects the social history, customs, rituals, and collective memories of its diverse communities, serving as a living repository of cultural knowledge.

Alongside the senior awardees, four young artistes from the state have been selected for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, a prestigious honour aimed at recognising exceptional young talent in the performing arts. Named after the legendary shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan, the award seeks to encourage emerging artists and support the continuation of India’s rich artistic traditions through the next generation.

The recipients of the Yuva Puraskar from Manipur are Phuritshabam Debajani Devi for Manipuri Dance, Lukram Tamphamani Singh for Music for Dance (Manipuri), Yumnam Bimota Devi for Folk Music, and Tongbram Roneld Meetei for Manipuri Dance.

Their achievements are being celebrated as evidence of the strong foundation of artistic training and cultural transmission that continues to flourish in the state. Cultural observers note that the emergence of talented young performers alongside seasoned masters reflects a healthy and dynamic artistic ecosystem in Manipur.

The selection of artists from both senior and younger generations also demonstrates how traditional knowledge is being successfully passed down, ensuring continuity while allowing room for innovation and creative expression. Many of the awardees have spent years studying under respected gurus, participating in cultural festivals, and dedicating themselves to mastering their chosen disciplines.

For many in Manipur, the announcement serves as a reminder of the state’s extraordinary contribution to India’s cultural heritage. Despite its relatively small geographical size, Manipur has produced an impressive number of acclaimed dancers, musicians, theatre practitioners, and cultural scholars whose work has earned recognition at both national and international levels.

The state’s artistic traditions are deeply intertwined with its social and spiritual life. Festivals, religious ceremonies, community gatherings, and cultural celebrations often feature performances that have been preserved over centuries. These traditions not only provide entertainment but also serve as powerful vehicles for cultural identity, historical memory, and community cohesion.

Manipuri dance, in particular, occupies a special place within India’s classical dance heritage. Characterised by fluid movements, expressive storytelling, and devotional themes, the dance form is closely associated with Vaishnavite traditions and the celebrated Ras Lila performances. Over the years, Manipuri dancers have helped introduce audiences across India and around the world to the unique beauty and sophistication of the art form.

Folk music, another area recognised through this year’s awards, remains an essential component of cultural life in Manipur. Traditional songs often accompany agricultural activities, rituals, festivals, and important life events. They preserve linguistic diversity and offer insights into the history and worldview of different communities within the state.

Cultural experts believe that national recognition through institutions such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi plays a crucial role in strengthening efforts to safeguard these traditions. Such honours not only celebrate individual excellence but also draw attention to the broader cultural ecosystems that sustain artistic practices.

The awards come at a time when many traditional art forms across the country face challenges related to modernization, changing lifestyles, and declining opportunities for practitioners. Recognition at the national level can help generate renewed interest among younger generations and encourage greater institutional support for cultural preservation.

Artists and cultural organisations in Manipur have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a proud moment for the state. Many have expressed hope that the recognition will inspire more young people to pursue careers in the performing arts and contribute to the preservation of the region’s unique cultural heritage.

The achievements of the seven awardees are also expected to strengthen Manipur’s profile as an important cultural destination. The state has increasingly gained recognition for its vibrant arts scene, attracting researchers, performers, and cultural enthusiasts interested in exploring its diverse traditions.

Observers note that the success of Manipuri artists at the national level demonstrates how regional cultural traditions continue to enrich the broader tapestry of Indian arts and culture. Their accomplishments serve as a reminder that artistic excellence often emerges from communities deeply connected to their heritage while remaining open to new ideas and creative possibilities.

As preparations begin for the formal conferment of the honours, the awardees are receiving congratulations from across the country. The Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards and the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar will be presented by the President of India during a special investiture ceremony, where artists from various parts of the country will be recognised for their contributions to the performing arts.

For Manipur, the selection of seven artistes represents more than individual success. It is a celebration of a living cultural legacy that continues to inspire, educate, and connect generations. The honours reaffirm the state’s place at the forefront of India’s artistic and cultural traditions and highlight the enduring power of music, dance, and folk expression in preserving identity and fostering national cultural diversity.

As the state celebrates the achievements of its artists, the recognition stands as a tribute to countless teachers, performers, institutions, and cultural custodians who have dedicated themselves to keeping Manipur’s artistic heritage alive. Their collective efforts have ensured that the rhythms, melodies, and movements of the state’s rich traditions continue to resonate far beyond its borders, earning admiration and respect across the nation.