3 Manipur artistes from to receive Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraska

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

This year, eight young for Hindustani, Carnatic artistes and other major forms of music were selected while eight artistes were selected from 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 young artistes below the age of 35 years on April 1 and covers music, dance, theatre, puppetry and different forms o traditional performing arts.

The main objective the award 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 Prize money of Rs 25,000 an official said.

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