Messenger of peace : Bhalla on Ratan Thiyam

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 14 : Highlighting theatre maestro Ratan Thiyam's role as a messenger of peace through his works, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla acknowledged his outstanding contribution to both Indian and Manipuri theatre.
As chief guest, Governor Bhalla inaugurated a two-day National seminar on Ratan Thiyam celebrating the life and legacy of the cultural icon at the auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) in Imphal today.
The two-day seminar is being jointly organised by Manipur State Kala Akademi (MSKA) and JNMDA.
Along with First Lady Jyoti Bhalla, the Governor led the gathering in paying floral tribute to the portrait of the late cultural icon at the JNMDA campus.
He 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” directed by Oken Amakcham was also screened during the inaugural session.
Notably, the film captures the life and works of the renowned Manipuri playwright and director. The documentary delves into how he 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, Governor Bhalla 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.
As a part of the seminar, Longjam Joychandra, vice-chairman, JNMDA moderated a session where Dr Makhonmani Mongsaba presented a paper on "Life and works of Ratan Thiyam"; Dr Arambam ongbi Memchoubi on "Contribution of Ratan Thiyam to Manipuri poetry" and Dr M Priyobrata on "A perspective on Ratan Thiyam's novel Shrimati Ichebemma". Towards the end of the seminar, renowned Indian poet and writer Dr Udayan Vajpeyi presented "A Special Talk on Ratan Thiyam".