Uripok Apunba Lup urges MP Bimol Akoijam to recommend Bharat Ratna for Ratan Thiyam

In a significant cultural appeal, Soram Tekendrajit Singh, President of Uripok Apunba Lup, has submitted a memorandum to Dr. Bimol Akoijam, Member of Parliament (Inner Manipur), urging him to initiate necessary steps for conferring the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, posthumously to the legendary theatre maestro Late Ratan Thiyam.
The memorandum emphasizes Ratan Thiyam’s monumental contributions to the field of performing arts-spanning across theatre, literature, music, and stagecraft. Recognized as a visionary playwright, director, actor, choreographer, set designer, and musician, Thiyam was celebrated for his ability to blend philosophical depth with theatrical brilliance, conceptualizing the soul of civilization through his art.”He was a rare genius whose works have left an indelible mark on Indian theatre and beyond,” the memorandum states.
Ratan Thiyam’s accomplishments include Serving as Vice Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Director of the National School of Drama (1987–1989), Chairman of NSD (2013–2017), Director of multiple Festival of India events abroad, Publication of poetry, short stories, novels, and critical essays, Recipient of eight honorary doctorates from prestigious universities
Notable National and International Awards are Indo Greek Friendship Award – 1984, Sangeet Natak Academy Award – 1987 , Nandikar Award – 1992, International Man of the year (Cambridge) – 1997, B M Shah Award – 2000, Datidas Samman – 2005, One India One People Award – 2006 , Indira Gandhi National Integration – 2008 , Bharat Muni Samman -2011 , Sangeet Natak Fellowship – 2012, Tagore Ratna Award – 2012 , Bhupen Hazarika Foundation Award – 2013, Padmashree award in 1989, Fringe First Award 1987.
Late Ratan Thiyam’s most cherished contribution to his home state is the establishment of the Chorus Repertory Theatre in Imphal in 1976. What was once a barren, swampy land has been transformed into a vibrant cultural campus where artists live, train, and perform.
The iconic theatre, known as The Shrine, has been the birthplace of numerous timeless productions, including: Chakravyuha (performed over 100 times globally) Lairembigee Eshei, Asibagee Eshei, Uttar Priyadarshi.
Describing the space, the memorandum notes: “A visit to the Chorus Repertory Theatre is truly a pilgrimage for any theatre enthusiast.”
Soram Tekendrajit Singh stated that this proposal is just a modest introduction to the vast contributions of Ratan Thiyam, adding that conferring the Bharat Ratna would be a fitting national tribute to an enlightened soul who dedicated his life to the arts.
The appeal urges both the state and central governments to recognize Late Ratan Thiyam’s legacy with the nation’s highest honour.