Imphal, December 5, 2025: The Manipur State Kala Akademi Awards 2023–24 were presented on Friday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA), where Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla honoured 69 distinguished artistes for their outstanding contributions to the preservation, promotion, and development of the state's rich artistic and cultural heritage.
The ceremony brought together eminent artistes, cultural scholars, performers, students, government officials, and art enthusiasts to celebrate the achievements of individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields of art and culture. The event highlighted Manipur's longstanding reputation as one of India's foremost centres of performing and traditional arts.
A major highlight of this year's ceremony was the successful clearance of a two-year backlog of the State Kala Akademi Awards under the guidance of the Governor. Officials said the initiative ensured that deserving artistes who had been awaiting recognition for their contributions during 2023 and 2024 received their awards without further delay. They described the move as a significant step towards strengthening institutional support for the state's artistic community and reaffirming the government's commitment to recognising cultural excellence in a timely manner.
The 69 award recipients represented a broad spectrum of artistic disciplines, reflecting the remarkable diversity of Manipur's cultural traditions. Honourees included practitioners of classical and traditional dance, vocal and instrumental music, theatre, folk arts, literature, painting, sculpture, handicrafts, and indigenous cultural expressions. The awards acknowledged decades of dedication, creativity, and service rendered by these artistes in preserving and enriching the state's cultural identity.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla congratulated all the award recipients and praised their invaluable contributions to the promotion of Manipur's unique artistic heritage. He observed that the state's rich cultural traditions have earned national and international recognition through the tireless efforts of generations of artistes who have preserved and passed on their knowledge despite changing times.
The Governor said that the Kala Akademi Awards recognise not only individual excellence but also the collective contribution of the artistic community towards safeguarding Manipur's cultural legacy. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting artistes, strengthening cultural institutions, and creating opportunities for young and emerging talents to pursue excellence in various art forms.
Highlighting the importance of culture in society, Bhalla described art as a powerful medium that connects communities, preserves history, and strengthens identity. He encouraged younger generations to embrace the state's artistic traditions while also exploring innovative approaches that would help showcase Manipuri art on national and global platforms.
The ceremony also served as a celebration of the resilience and creativity of Manipur's artistic community. Cultural performances presented during the programme reflected the richness of the state's classical and folk traditions, adding to the significance of the occasion.
Officials of the Manipur State Kala Akademi said the successful presentation of the 2023–24 awards marks a renewed commitment to promoting cultural excellence, preserving indigenous artistic traditions, and encouraging emerging artistes. They expressed confidence that continued recognition and institutional support would help strengthen Manipur's position as one of India's most vibrant centres of art, culture, and creativity while inspiring future generations to carry forward the state's proud cultural legacy.
