IMPHAL, June 7: The Samata Sahitya Academy, Manipur today felicitated the recipients of the International Excellence Award and Life Time Achievement Award along with other national and international awardees in the field of Shumang Leela, Literature, Arts, social work.
Shumang Leela artist Ningthoujam Rajen (Keirao Rajen) and theatre director Naba Wareppa were conferred with the International Excellence Award and Life Time Achievement Award respectively, while nine others from the State were also awarded with other national and international awards by the Samata Sahitya Akademy during the international Award Conference 2015 held at Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Samarak Koregaori Park, Pune on May 23.
Today`™s felicitation programme was attended by Konthoujam MLA K Sarat Singh as chief guest, deputy Inspector General of Police, IK Muivah as special guest and chairman Samata Sahitya Academy, Manipur Naba Warrepa as president.
Speaking at the felicitation programme, MLA K Sarat said Shumang Leela plays an important role in spreading awareness on social issues among the people.
He continued, all the awardees are unique and special in their own ways.
The awardees should try to get more recognition and awards and bring laurels to the State, Sarat continued.
Everyone knows that Manipur is the power-house of sports and culture, he observed.
It is also obvious that our culture is known throughout the country, however, not much effort have been put in to safeguard our culture, he continued.
IK Muivah, in his speech, said Shumang Leela spreads awareness on social issues as well as provide entertainment to the public.
Warrepa Naba said the award is given in various fields and people from any field of work can apply for the award.
He said people of the State lack exposure.
The other awardees who were felicitated today include Thounaojam Shanoubi Singh in Shumang Lila, Yumnam Nilachandra Singh in Shumang Lila, H Jiten Singh in academics, SB Singh (Satyaveer) in social work, Khuman Somorjit Singh in Shumang Lila, James Heikrujam in Shumang Lila, Surjit Saikhom in Shumang Lila, Imo Heisanamba in Shumang Lila and Oinam Chanchan Devi in Shankirtana Music.