Manipur celebrated its artistic excellence as 69 distinguished individuals were honoured with the Manipur Kala Akademi Awards for 2023 and 2024. The ceremony, held on December 5 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Akademi in Imphal, showcased the State’s dedication to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage. Artists, performers, writers, and cultural contributors from varied backgrounds were recognised for their lasting impact on Manipur’s creative landscape.
The awards represent one of Manipur’s highest recognitions in the field of arts and culture. This year’s celebration reflected the State’s diverse artistic strengths, honouring individuals whose contributions have enriched traditional and contemporary art forms. The event highlighted the broader significance of the Manipur Kala Akademi Awards in encouraging artistic expression and cultural continuity.
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Among the prestigious honours presented were the MSKA Lifetime Achievement Award and Fellowships, celebrating senior figures who have dedicated decades to their respective fields. These recognitions underline the importance of honouring commitment, mastery, and the deep cultural knowledge carried by veteran artists. Their achievements form a strong foundation for future generations to learn from and build upon.
Awards were also distributed across various categories, including Dance, Music, Shumang Leela, Thang-Ta, Tribal Culture, and Literature. The inclusion of these categories reflects Manipur’s cultural diversity and the State’s efforts to support various traditional and evolving art forms. The Young Talent and Young Writer Awards further emphasised the Akademi’s mission to encourage emerging practitioners to pursue creativity and innovation.
Shumang Leela, Manipur’s iconic courtyard theatre tradition, received notable recognition this year. Several awardees were honoured for their dedication to sustaining this unique and emotionally powerful art form. The recognition arrives at a time when there is growing interest in preserving indigenous performance practices, ensuring that they remain relevant to modern audiences.
The Thang-Ta category highlighted artists who have committed themselves to promoting Manipur’s martial arts heritage. Thang-Ta is not only a cultural symbol but also a representation of the State’s history and discipline. Recognising these practitioners reinforces efforts to preserve and promote this traditional art, both within India and beyond.
Awards in Tribal Culture reaffirmed the importance of celebrating contributions made by Manipur’s diverse communities. Each tribal group possesses unique traditions, rituals, and artistic expressions. Honouring these contributions supports cultural preservation and strengthens bonds among different communities, especially at a time when traditional knowledge systems face rapid change.
The ceremony included performances that reflected the State’s extraordinary artistic talent. These showcases added depth to the event, offering audiences a glimpse into the living traditions that have shaped Manipur’s cultural identity. The interaction of veteran artists and young performers created an atmosphere of mentorship, pride, and celebration.
Speakers at the event emphasised that the Manipur Kala Akademi Awards are not only an acknowledgement of individual achievements but also a reaffirmation of the State’s commitment to cultural preservation. They highlighted that supporting artists strengthens community identity and contributes to the cultural and social development of Manipur.
Award recipients expressed gratitude and reflected on the challenges and inspirations that guided their artistic journeys. Many noted that the recognition serves as encouragement to continue contributing to the State’s cultural richness.
The 2023–24 Manipur Kala Akademi Awards stand as a testament to the enduring resilience of the State’s cultural traditions. By honouring 69 artists across generations and disciplines, Manipur reinforces its dedication to both preserving its heritage and nurturing future creative talents.
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