Governor Presents Manipur State Kala Akademi Awards 2023 & 2024

Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla today conferred the Manipur State Kala Akademi Awards 2023 and 2024 on 69 distinguished artistes at a ceremony held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Akademi, Imphal.

The awards covered a wide range of categories, including the MSKA Lifetime Achievement Award, Fellowships, and honours in Dance, Music, Shumang Leela, Thang-Ta, Tribal Culture, Literature, and the Young Talent and Young Writer Awards. Thoidingjam Tombi Singh received the MSKA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor said the awards mark a celebration of both individual excellence and Manipur’s rich cultural heritage. He praised the awardees for upholding the State’s artistic legacy, reflected in its classical Raas, Lai Haraoba traditions, folk dances, and diverse musical traditions from the hills and valley.

He also highlighted the crucial role of the Manipur State Kala Akademi since its establishment in 1972, noting that its fellowships and awards remain the State’s highest recognition for artistes, writers, and practitioners of fine arts. He expressed satisfaction that 69 individuals were being honoured this year.

Under the Governor’s guidance, the two-year pending awards were cleared, ensuring timely recognition for deserving artistes. The ceremony also featured a solo dance performance by a Young Talent Awardee. The event was attended by art enthusiasts, cultural personalities, and senior officials.