Guwahati, January 20: The Young Talented Artistes Award Ceremony, held as part of the 21st Shilpgram Mahotsav 2026 in Guwahati, celebrated the artistic excellence of emerging performers from across the Northeast, with artistes from Manipur receiving special recognition for their outstanding contributions to the region's rich cultural heritage.
The ceremony was graced by Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Governor of Manipur and Nagaland and Chairman of the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), who presented the awards to young artistes representing diverse traditional and performing arts. The event brought together cultural practitioners, scholars, officials, and art enthusiasts to honour the next generation of creative talent from the region.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla praised the award recipients for their dedication to preserving and promoting the unique artistic traditions of Northeast India. He emphasized that young artistes play a vital role in safeguarding indigenous cultural heritage while introducing traditional art forms to wider national and international audiences.
Among the awardees, Mutum Bangkimchandra Meitei was honoured with the Young Talented Artistes Award for 2023–2024 in the category of Folk & Tribal Music (Pena), recognising his contribution to preserving one of Manipur's most cherished musical traditions.
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For the 2024–2025 award cycle, Heikrujam Mangalleima received the honour for excellence in Theatre, while Ningthoujam Nganthoibi Devi was conferred the 2025–2026 Young Talented Artistes Award in the category of Folk Songs (Meitei) for her dedication to promoting the state's rich musical heritage.
Officials extended warm congratulations to all the awardees from the eight Northeastern states, noting that such recognition encourages young performers to continue preserving the region's diverse cultural traditions. They highlighted the importance of supporting emerging artistes in ensuring that indigenous art forms remain vibrant and relevant for future generations.
The award ceremony was one of the highlights of Shilpgram Mahotsav 2026, reaffirming the North East Zone Cultural Centre's commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting the cultural wealth of the Northeast on national and international platforms. The event also reinforced the festival's role as a major celebration of the region's artistic diversity, creativity, and enduring cultural legacy.
