IMPHAL, December 15: The Chongtham Bimlabashanta Award, 2014 was conferred to Thiyam Surjamukhi Devi, an acclaimed dancer, in a simple function organised by the Leimarol Khorjeikol, LEIKOL at DEV Literature Centre, DM college campus here today.
The award includes a cash of Rs 10,000, a citation and a shawl. Former director of JNMD Academy, L Joychandra and Prof Aruna Devi of MU grace the function as chief guest and president respectively.
The award is donated by Chongtham Bashanta Singh, retired DIG of Nagaland Police, in honour of the late Bimla.
It may be mentioned that Surjamukhi Devi is well-known in the field of dance. She was born to Th Iboton Singh and Th (O) Tombimacha Devi of Keishampat Leimajam Leikai in 1935. From an early age, she took part in theatre play with the Aryan Theatre.
Earlier, she had been conferred with Manipur State Kala Academy in 1985, Manipur Sahitya Parishad `Nritya Bhusan`™ in 1999 and Guru Tarunkumar Shaman Award in 2003.