UJJAIN, January 24: Acclaimed theatre personality of Manipur, Heisnam Kanhailal was accorded the Rashtriya Kalidas Sammaan for the year 2012-13, by the Kalidas Akademy, Ujjain, under the aegis of the State government of Madhya Pradesh, here today.
The award was handed over to Kanhailal by Surendra Patwa, minister of Culture and Environment, government of Madhya Pradesh on the occasion of the 58th Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh, held in Ujjain, birth place of the great Indian poet Kalidas.
It may be noted that the award was instituted in the year 1980, to honour theatre personalities for their outstanding contribution every year during the said Kalidas Festival.
Speaking on the occasion, Kanhailal thanked the Kalidas Akademy for giving him the prestigious award. He said it was a proud moment for him to be able to receive the honour at the birthplace of the poet Kalidas.
Speaking to this reporter, Kanhailal said he feels honoured that his name has been included among some of the renowned theatre personalities of the country who have made exceptional contribution.
It may be mentioned that theatre practitioners like Ebrahim Alkaji, PL Deshpande, Habib Tanveer, Vijay Tendulkar and Badal Sarcar are some of the names who are amongst the list of people who were honoured earlier by the Kalidas Akademy.
Heisnam Sabitri, actor of Kalakshetra, accompanying her husband Kahailal during the award ceremony shared to this reporter that it is another feather in Kalakshetra`™s cap. `It has been a long journey for Kalakshetra, we obviously feel happy by the recognition given to our teacher, who has been the guiding spirit for all of us`, she said.
The chief guest of the function was Dr Chandraprakash Trivedi, noted historian and actor of `Chanakya`™ fame. Speaking on the occasion, he said there is need for popularising the work of Kalidas, to the coming generations. He pointed out that his future work will concentrate on the literature of Kalidas. He asserted that works of Kalidas have not been given due attention.
The said festival will continue till January 30 with performances from acclaimed singers and dancers from across the country.
Sabitri will be giving a solo performance of Memoirs of Africa on on January 25.