IMPHAL, July 7: Padmashree Aribam Shyam Sharma was honoured with the 6th Hawaibam Nilamani Award 2012 for his contribution in theater during the observation of 65th Anninversary of Roop Mahal Theatre today.
The observation was attended by State kala Academy Secretary S Bideshor Sharma as chief guest, chairman Roopmahal Theater O Biramangol Singh as the president.
During the observation H Nilamani was remembered for his work in field of theater, teaching ability and contribution for the love of art. H Nilamani Singh, H Nutanchandra Sharma and Th Brajalala Singh for the first time in Manipur staged fast unto death on September 16, 1947 against imposing amusement tax from drama theaters by the government. The protest concluded after three days with the resolution not to tax from drama theaters which is in effect till date.
Padmashree Aribam Shyam Sharma lauded Roopmahal artist association for observing this anniversary. He said during o time he was a student he has the fear of deteriorating his academic career, but his love for art in theater made him moved on, he acted in a drama named Tipu Sultan where Late Bira helped them in showing the play in Roopmahal. He said without him today’s award is meaningless. He remembered few of his co workers in theater during his time Khuraijam Phulendra, Arambam Somorendra Singh, Poet Shri Biren. He said that without his family support he could have failed in this field of theater and today’s award is precious to him as he has been recognized in a place of theater.
State Kala Academy Secretary S Bideshor Sharma said that theater artists today are honoured with less excitement. The felicitations to the artists is to promote artists and prominent artists and new artists need to bridged he added. He announced that the seats for scholarship, fellowship and prize amount will be increased from next year and felicitation and award distribution to the deserving artists will continue.
After the function a play written by GC Tonbra with the title Lu da mee Chongba was presented.
