Manipur State Shumang Leela Council (MSSLC) on Tuesday conferred the Thokchom Iboyaima Award 2022 to director, producer and artist Moirangthem Bhorot Singh.
The award was presented during the observance of 22nd Shumang Leela Day held at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen.
Attending the function as chief guest, PWD Minister Govindas Konthoujam said Shumang Leela being a traditional form of media has been playing a vital role in shaping the society since the time when Manipur was ruled by kings.
With change being inevitable, Govindas said the Manipuri society has also gone through a tremendous change due to many factors. Against this backdrop, he exhorted the present generation to take the responsibility to preserve and prevent this art form (shumang leela) from dying.
“Even if I am not a minister concerned in this particular field, I will extend my contribution to the promotion of Shumang Leela,” he assured.
President, MSSLC, M Purnimasi said April 12 is one of the most significant days for all the Shumang Leela artists and it was on this day the apex body of Shumang Leela called MSSLC was formed in 1948.
Even though the council doesn’t have enough funds, it has been celebrating Shumang Leela day annually considering its importance, Purnimasi said adding that the council will leave no stone unturned to promote and preserve this art form.
Moirangthem Bhorot Singh was born on July 1, 1955 at Kongba Nandeibam Leikai. Acknowledging his dedication and contribution made in the field of Shumang Leela, he had received several awards. Some of them are Ketawn Shumang Leela Ideal Award 2008; Manipur State Kala Akademi conferred best direction award in 2009; received Royal Award in the ‘Maibado Maibido Mapuroibado”, Dr Ambedkar Kala Kshetra National Award 2018 etc.
Director, department of Tourism, W Ibohal Singh and Thokchom Sanatombi Devi, wife of late Thokchom Iboyaima, donor of the said award also attended as guests of honour of the function.
