On Friday, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla attended the presentation ceremony for the Manipur State Kala Akademi (MSKA) Awards 2023 and 2024, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Akademi in Imphal. A total of 69 distinguished individuals were recognized with the MSKA Awards across various categories such as the MSKA Lifetime Achievement Award, Fellowships, and awards in Dance, Music, Shumang Leela, Thang-Ta, Tribal Culture, Literature, as well as the Young Talent and Young Writer Awards. Thoidingjam Tombi Singh was notably awarded the MSKA Lifetime Achievement Award alongside other prominent figures celebrated for their substantial contributions to the arts and culture of Manipur.
During his address, Governor Bhalla underscored the significance of the awards as a celebration of both individual merit and the broader cultural heritage of the State. He praised the awardees, highlighting how their accomplishments showcase Manipur’s rich artistic legacy reflected in classical Raas, Lai Haraoba traditions, and various folk dances and music from both the valley and hills. Bhalla pointed out that these cultural forms are vital expressions of the State’s history, identity, and communal spirit, garnering recognition on an international scale.
The event also featured an engaging solo dance by one of the awardees recognized in the Young Talent category, which added a lively artistic element to the ceremony. The gathering included members of the public, notable personalities from the arts and cultural fields, and senior government officials, all contributing to a celebratory atmosphere for the recognition of Manipur’s vibrant cultural landscape.
