As many as 290 artistes, including national and state awardees of various art forms, film, literature and craft, were felicitated in Imphal East on Wednesday.
The felicitation function was organised by Thongam Sajou Memorial Charitable Trust, Ningomthongjao, at the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Palace Compound, Imphal East.
At the event, as many as 19 Sangeet Natak Akadami awardees of various art forms; 23 Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar awardee; two Lalit Kala Akademi awardee; 25 recipients of Sahitya Akademi Award and 14 translation awardee were felicitated with citation and mementos.
Five fellows of Manipur State Kala Academy award; 18 musicians; 23 dancers and others were also felicitated with certificate, mementos along with cash awards. Renowned film maker Aribam Syam Sharma and Indian playwright and noted theatre director Ratan Thiyam were also felicitated.
Speaking on the occasion, Works Minister Thongam Biswajit said since the trust was established in 2012 it has been conducting various activities for the welfare of the society. The trust has also been assisting persons with disability, widows, old age pension and for children artistes.
He said the felicitation function was organised to motivate the artiste of various forms to bring more laurels for Manipur.
He appealed to the people to promote and preserve the unique art forms of Manipur. The artistes have been taking a major role for the society while highlighting the state into international level, he added.
As a part of the function, a music video ‘Thambal’ dedicated to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was released by the minister.
