Governor inaugurates National Seminar to pay homage to Theatre Maestro Ratan Thiyam

Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla, today, inaugurated a National Seminar on renowned theatre maestro Ratan Thiyam, at the auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) in Imphal.The Governor along with the First Lady led the gathering in paying floral tribute to the portrait of the late cultural icon at the JNMDA campus.
The two-day seminar is being jointly organised by Manipur State Kala Akamemi (MSKA) and JNMDA. The Governor also felicitated the wife and other family members of Ratan Thiyam.On the occasion, a half yearly journal of MSKA titled “Manipuri Culture and Literature”, dedicated to Ratan Thiyam was released. A non-feature film titled “Ratan Thiyam, The Man of Theatre”was also screened during the inaugural session. The film captures the life and work of the renowned Manipuri playwright and director. The documentary delves into how Thiyam, blends traditional Manipuri art forms and martial arts with contemporary social and political themes in his productions. It serves as a tribute to Thiyam’s significant impact on modern Indian theatre and his commitment to using the stage as a medium for social commentary and artistic expression.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor commended the Manipur State Kala Akademi and the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy for jointly organising the seminar. He highlighted Ratan Thiyam’s outstanding contribution to Indian and Manipuri theatre, noting that through iconic works such as Chakravyuha, Uttar Priyadarshi and Nine Hills One Valley, he conveyed enduring messages of peace, harmony and cultural continuity. The Governor said that over a career spanning more than five decades, Ratan Thiyam placed Manipur prominently on the global cultural map and remains an ambassador of the State’s rich heritage. He also recalled Ratan Thiyam’s multifaceted genius as a director, playwright, designer, choreographer and writer.
Expressing confidence that the seminar deliberations would inspire young theatre practitioners, the Governor called upon everyone to carry forward Ratan Thiyam’s message of peace and harmony through the arts.
Longjam Joychandra, Vice-Chairman, JNMDA, renowned Indian poet and writer Dr. Udayan Vajpeyi also spoke on the life and contributions of the late cultural icon.