State Kala Akademi mourns H Goura, E Joychandra

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, May 25 : The Manipur State Kala Akademi has deeply condoled the sudden demise of two eminent and veteran artistes of Manipur namely, (Late) Hijam Goura Singh of Thangmeiband Hijam Dewan Leikai and (Late) Elangbam Joychandra Singh of Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai.
Hijam Goura Singh was a centenarian artiste and Guru of Manoharshai Khol. As a performer he was one of the popular and sought-after artistes of Khol and as a Guru, he was one of the most respected authorities in the field, said  Manipur State Kala Akademi in a condolence note.
Even at his advanced age, he used to perform and impart lessons to upcoming artistes, it said.
After MK Binodini Devi,  H Goura Singh was the only artiste who had been honoured with the Manipur State Kala Akademi Lifetime Achievement Award. His demise is a big loss for the artistes' community of Manipuri, it said.
Elangbam Joychandra Singh was one of the early visionaries of Manipur theatre and founder of Manipur Artist Touring Drama Party fondly called 'Joy Drama'. He was not only an eminent director but also a noted script writer, lyricist and composer, the State Kala Akademi recalled.
Through his touring drama, he was hugely responsible for popularising theatre among the masses of Manipur and for his noteworthy contribution to Manipuri theatre, he was bestowed with the Manipur State Kala Akademi Fellow (2004), it recalled. His demise is also a great loss for the entire artistes' fraternity of the State, the Manipur State Kala Akademi said and extended its sincere condolences.