3 artistes from Manipur to receive UBKYP

Imphal, Mar 5: Three artistes from Manipur Mairenbam Maniton Singh in Nata Sankritana Music, Laishram Bina Devi in Manipuri Dance and Laishram Ibochouba Singh in Theatre Lighting were among the 30 young artistes in the country selected for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (UBKYP) for 2007.

It was announced by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama. Last year, about 33 young artistes, including two namely Manipuri Dance exponent Shijagurumayum Nimita Devi and Thokchom Imomacha Singh of Manipuri martial arts (Thang-Ta) from Manipur were selected from all over the country for the awards.

This year, eight young artistes for Hindustani, Carnatic and other major traditions of music were selected in the field of music while eight young artistes were selected in the field of dance for Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Manipuri, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam and Music for Dance-Bharatnatyam Mridangam. In the field of Theatre, eight young artistes were selected for acting, direction and lighting.

Six artists from various parts of the country have been selected for their excellence in different forms of traditional/folk/tribal dance, music, theatre and puppetry.

The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puruskar is awarded to the young artistes below the age of 35 years as on the first April of the year and covers music, dance, theatre, puppetry and different forms of traditional performing arts.

The main objective is to identify and encourage outstanding young talents in diverse fields of performing arts and give them a national recognition early in life so that they may work with greater committment and dedication in life long pursuit of their chosen form of art.

The Yuva Puruskar carries a purse money of Rs 25,000 official said.

UNI