Rajya Sabha MP Leisemba Sanajaoba has urged the Government of India to confer the Bharat Ratna on renowned theatre personality Ratan Thiyam, one of India’s most distinguished cultural ambassadors.
Raising the matter during the Zero Hour in Parliament, Sanajaoba stated that Ratan Thiyam, a native of Manipur, is a globally acclaimed theatre legend and cultural icon of India. He described Thiyam as a creative genius who has made outstanding contributions across multiple artistic fields.
Sanajaoba noted that Thiyam has excelled as a playwright, director, painter, writer and theatre visionary. By blending innovative theatrical expression with traditional Manipuri aesthetics, he has brought Indian theatre to new heights on both national and international stages.
With a career spanning over five decades, Thiyam has produced several iconic works such as Chakravyuha, Andha Yug, Ritu Samhara, and Uttar Priyadarshi, earning global recognition for Indian theatre.
The MP further highlighted that Thiyam was the first person from Manipur to graduate from the National School of Drama. He later served as its Director from 1987 to 1989 and as Chairman from 2013 to 2017.
In 1976, Thiyam founded the Chorus Repertory Theatre, which has since become a leading institution promoting theatre as a powerful medium of artistic and social expression.
Recognising his immense contributions, Thiyam has been honoured with several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship. In 2018, he also received the Legend of India Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sanajaoba asserted that Ratan Thiyam has elevated Manipuri theatre to global prominence and represents India’s cultural depth, diversity and aesthetic excellence. In view of his lifelong contributions and achievements, the MP called for conferring the country’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, upon him.