Guru Ningthoujam Shyamchand: A Living Custodian of the Nat Sankirtana

By- Thokchom Ritankumar Singh, Assistant Professor,
Manipur University of Culture and
Dr. Jackson Khumukcham, Assistant Professor, Amity University Noida

Shri Ningthoujam Shyamchand Singh is widely recognized as one of the few living Gurus possessing a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Nata Sankirtana art form of Manipur. Born on January 15, 1956, in Mayang Imphal, Manipur, he hails from a family celebrated for traditional performances and scholarly pursuits. His journey began at the age of twelve when he started an intensive training regimen under the guidance of several eminent gurus of his time (Adi Guru Huiningsungbam Nabadwip of Uchiwa; Maibam Ibohal Singh, a Sangeet Natak Awardee from Ningom Thongjao Makhong; Padma Shri Kongbrailatpam Abhiramshaba Sharma of Mayai Koibi; Sagolshem Kalidamon Singh, a Sangeet Natak Awardee from Thangmeiband; Gulapi Singh, a Sangeet Natak Awardee from Elangbam Leikai; Thangjam Chaoba Singh, a Sangeet Natak Awardee from Khurai Thangjam Leikai; Gurumayum Iboton Sharma of Wangkhei; Elangbam Anganghal Singh, former Guru of J.N.M.D.). His expertise encompasses the two major disciplines of Nata Sankirtana: Eshei, which emphasizes the emotive power of vocal music, and Cholom, known for its dynamic and rhythm-rich dance. Additionally, he has extensive knowledge of various forms of Nat Sankirtana, such as Ariba Pala, Bangdesh Pala, Anauba Pala, Holi Pala, Khubak Eshei, and the Lalsa Prathana of Nortom Thakur. His deep understanding and mastery of these traditions establish him as a vital custodian of this cultural heritage.

From a young age, he has been deeply immersed in the practice, teaching, and promotion of Nat Sankirtana. His dedication to this vibrant tradition is evident in his efforts to explore every facet of it, especially in ensuring the original essence is preserved and celebrated. Through immersive performances and informal teachings to young generations under the Guru Shishya Parampara system, he aims to preserve the authenticity of Nat Sankirtana among the Gauriya Hindu community of Manipur. His teachings and philosophy extend beyond state boundaries, attracting many students from various regions, including Tripura, Assam, and even Bangladesh (among Hindu communities that consider Nat Sankirtana as a key tradition and cultural practice). Many students from this region are excelling in their performances and preserving this tradition. Some of them are now gurus in their fields (e.g., Cholom, Singing, etc.). This has significantly contributed to passing down the rich heritage of Nat Sankirtana to future generations in the state and beyond.

Modernization brings a complex mix of both beneficial and detrimental effects on local art forms. However, even though it facilitates promotion and commercialization, it poses significant risks to the authenticity and continuity of these local art forms. At times, its influence led to the extinction of various art forms in India as well. Thenceforth, the NatSankirtana have been facing serious challenges, including declining authenticity, erosion of traditional knowledge of teaching and singing, diminishing participation of younger generations, and the increasing intrusion of modernised and/ormodern orchestra-based Sankirtan performances. In such a scenario where no one was taking personal responsibility to maintain the authenticity, documentation, and pass down this tradition, Shri Ningthoujam Shyamchand Singh has emerged as one of the leading custodians.

It is his unwavering commitment that contributes to preserving the original repertoire, philosophical foundations, ritual conventions, musical structures, traditional ragas, taals, and singing styles that passed down through the Guru-Shishya Parampara. His remarkable contributions to the preservation of Nata Sankirtanaare exemplified through his recognition by the appropriate authorities to designate him as the head of Pala Loishang of the Shri Shri Govindajee Temple Board, Manipur. This prestigious position places him at the authoritative person responsible for governing Manipuri Nat Sankirtana, maintaining the cultural and artistic heritage. Despite facing criticism and backlash from various sectors of society (including artists who are engaged in singing/performing using modern orchestra and deform the original norms), he resist and continually played a crucial role in ensuring that the traditional rules, norms, and performance protocols of Nat Sankirtana Parampara are upheld in their original form.

Through his unwavering dedication, he has tirelessly contributed to the inscription of Nat Sankirtana as one of India’s most significant intangible cultural heritage traditions on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. During the process of enlisting Nat Sankirtana, the leading team, which includes the renowned filmmaker Shree Aheibam Shyam Sharma and the esteemed Shree L. Upendro Sharma, was in frequent contact with Shree Ningthoujam Shyamchand. They engaged in deep discussions and explorations regarding various aspects of this art form. His insights and knowledge shared about the intricate techniques of this art form make significant contributions toward the inclusion of Nat Sankirtana in the intangible cultural heritage. In recognition of his dedicated efforts, the then Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri O. Ibobi Singh, honoured him with a prestigious token of appreciation on the 26th of August 2014.

When it comes to putting his teachings in real-world situations, the stance that he passionately advocates to his students is to offer Nat Sankirtana in its original form. He emphasizes the importance of adhering to the traditions and performing styles passed down by the Adi Gurus.This involves having a minimum of four ‘palas’ standing on both sides while performing Sankirtana, accompanied by two ‘pung’ players. He believed that this is not a random standardization process; rather, it incorporates various bhaavs – rasas and is rooted in the Gauranga bhaav and Sangeet Shastra. This heritage not only reflects a deep spiritual lineage but also embodies the legacy that has been passed down from the prominent Gurus of Nat Sankirtana. Additionally, he actively mobilizes and advocates to the Manipuri Gauriya Sampraday community to observe the same, as the outcome will be fruitful, flourishing, and will benefit the family organizing it.

As he continued to produce students through his Guru-shishya Parampara way of teaching, he recognized the need to establish an institutional mechanism to address the changes of time and the challenges facing this rare art form. He founded the Nata Sangeet Academy and Research Centre (NSARC) in 1994 for this purpose. This organization is empanelled with the Ministry of Culture, the Sangeet Natak Academy, and the state cultural institute, which has helped it emerge as a leading institution for training in Nat Sankirtana, as well as for research and documentation. Since its inception, this institute has organized numerous workshops and seminars on various aspects of Nat Sankirtana. It addressed various elements, including endangered musical traditions, unique songs, intricate ragas, and complex taals, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

This esteemed research institution has played a pivotal role in training hundreds of students and practitioners from the diverse regions of Manipur, Assam, Tripura, and Bangladesh. This initiative has not only enhanced the skills of these individuals but has also disseminated knowledge beyond the state. Through continuous knowledge transmission and talent nurturing, many students under him have received prestigious state and national scholarships. Additionally, many among them now hold esteemed positions at renowned institutions, including the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, Manipur University of Culture, and Manipur University.

Nonetheless, to protect and preserve our invaluable intangible cultural heritage, it is essential not only to maintain the repertoire but also to acknowledge the vital role that performers play in archiving and documenting the art forms. In this line of thought, to turn this into reality, and in alignment with UNESCO’s mission, Shri Ningthoujam Shyamchand Singh has written numerous insightful books and/publications on various aspects of Nat Sankirtana. His scholarly work meticulously addresses the importance and significance of this art forms as well as reveal the values (bhaavs – rasas) embedded in Nat Sankirtan oral tradition. Some of his publications are as follows:

Along these lines, by diligently documenting and archiving rare songs, taals, ragas, and unique singing styles, he is contributing to a vital repository of knowledge and literature that will serve as a valuable resource for future generations.

His extensive work includes an impressive array of performances that would take quite a while to enumerate. As a performer, he performed at numerous stages across various states, festivals, and ceremonies. To highlight a few notable performances, one can mention his captivating shows at the state level performances, national level performances, and his remarkable performances abroad. Some of them are as follows:

Among his most remarkable performances, he has garnered widespread acclaim for his outstanding portrayal of Gouranga Lila; in particular, the role of Hi-Lanba stands out. Furthermore, through his unwavering dedication and relentless efforts over many years, he has garnered significant recognition for his remarkable contributions to this performing art form at both national and state levels. In a testament to his exemplary work, he was honoured with prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (Puraskar) in 2016. Prior to this, his exceptional talent and influence were acknowledged when he received the Manipur State Kala Akademi Award in 2004, one of the highest cultural honours bestowed by the State of Manipur. Additionally, in 2015, he was honoured with the ‘Nata Ratna’ by Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, for recognizing his outstanding scholarship and significant contributions to Nat Sankirtana.

Nonetheless, it is important to highlight his significant contributions to Nat Sankirtan during his time as a Guru (Seniorfaculty) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academyfrom 1998 to 2016.Throughout his tenure, he stood out as one of the most respected and talented Gurus, imparting his profound knowledge and passion for this traditional art form to his students. His dedication and expertise not only enriched the academy but also helped preserve the nuances of Nat Sankirtan.

To sum up, through his contributions, Shri Ningthoujam Shyamchand Singh not only preserving and practicing these rare traditions for his own community and state, but he is also enriching and ensuring the survival of invaluable components of India’s intangible cultural heritage. He is well deserved to consider as a living custodian of Nat Sankirtana. Many practitioners and scholars of this art form referred to him as a ‘Living Heritage.’ His contributions of more than five and a half decades have significantly enhanced the visibility, recognition, and safeguarding of the tradition at both national and international levels. Furthermore, his work contributes to social cohesion, cultural fabric, and enrich spiritual life of the people of Manipur and the broader Gauriya Vaishnava community (of Assam, Tripura, and Bangladesh). He is not only safeguarding the authenticity and continuity of Nat Sankirtana but also strengthened the entire cultural ecosystem surrounding the tradition, ensuring that this invaluable heritage remains a vibrant and living practice for future generations. His dedicated efforts enhance the academic and documentary foundations of this discipline, ensuring that these rich, rare oral traditions are preserved for years to come.