Manipur condoles Ratan Thiyam

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 24 : Condolences continue to pour in from different quarters mourning the demise of theatre icon Ratan Thiyam.
Ratan Thiyam breathed his last on Wednesday at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal after a prolonged illness. He was 77.
Today, the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee convened a condolence meeting at the residence of late Rishang Keishing, former Chief Minister of Manipur in Mantripukhri to mourn the untimely demise of theatre icon Ratan Thiyam.
The meeting was attended by Okram Ibobi, former Chief Minister; Gaikhangam, former Deputy Chief Minister; MLAs, PCC members and leaders of the Congress party.
The gathering recalled the numerous contributions made by Ratan Thiyam in policy-making for the development of the State during Congress rule.
The meeting also shared the grief and pain of the bereaved family members.
The gathering also observed two minutes of silence to pray for the departed soul to rest in peace.
With profound grief, Team Meitei Personalities (TMP) Manipur has mourned the passing of Padma Shri Ratan Thiyam.
A condolence message issued by RK Nimai, chief advisor, TMP Manipur, hailed the deceased as a visionary playwright, director, poet, and philosopher who redefined both Manipuri and Indian theatre through his masterful integration of tradition and modernity.
It has extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, to the Chorus Repertory family, to his admirers across the globe, and to all who carry forward his luminous legacy.
"May his soul find eternal rest in the theatre of the divine", prayed TMP Manipur.
In a joint press release, PANDM, IPSA, ACOAM Lup, IPAK, KSA, ERDO, ANDOK, LOYALUP, KIL, CLK, KANGLAMEI, AKSIL, MIKL and SWA have expressed profound sorrow and condolence over the demise of the eminent theatre playwright.
The organisations shared the grief of the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace in heavenly abode.
Film Forum Manipur also convened a condolence meeting today at its premises in Lamphel to mourn the demise of Ratan Thiyam and Manipuri film actor Waikhom Harichandra.
During the meeting chaired by Film Forum Manipur chairman Khangembam Kuleswar Singh, members of the Forum observed a two-minute silence to pray for the departed soul to rest in peace.
Similarly, a condolence meeting was also held today at the auditorium of Manipur University.
At the meeting, members of the University community observed two minutes of silence as a mark of respect to the theatre maestro and prayed to the Almighty to provide strength to the bereaved family to bear the loss.
They shared that Ratan Thiyam was a visionary who redefined modern Indian theatre. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and audiences worldwide.
Similarly, staff and officials of the State Literacy Mission Authority, Manipur/ Department of Adult Education today observed two minutes of silence as a mark of respect to Ratan Thiyam.
The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has also expressed deep condolences over the untimely demise of theatre doyen Ratan Thiyam and stated that his death has left a huge vacuum which will be difficult to fill by anyone.
Like others, Manipur Dramatic Union (MDU) and Aryan Theatre held a condolence meeting attended by their artistes and observed a 2-minute silence in mourning separately.
Another condolence meeting organised by The Rupmahal Theatre recalled the dedicated efforts of the director of Chorus Repertory Theatre  for the upliftment of Manipuri theatre.
Meanwhile, Apunba Manipuri Matam Ishei Kanglup (AMMIK) condoled the passing of Ratan Thiyam calling him one of Manipur's brightest stars in theatrical arts.
Writers' Forum, Imphal also conducted a condolence meeting at their office located at Nagamapal Lamabam Leikai chaired by vice-president Irungbam Basanta.
After observing a 2-minute silence and extending solidarity to the grieving family, the gathering recalled the playwright's numerous theatrical achievements.
The meeting also recalled his literary works, including, Tala Pamel Nahakshu (2008); Mangkhraba Sahargi Loikhraba Wari (2014); Shrimati Ichebemma (2019) and "Eibu Ningshingbiyu Haide (2024).
Saying that Manipur has lost a gem, All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO)  joined the State in mourning the demise of Ratan Thiyam.
Calling him a patriot, AMUCO said that his demise has caused grief not only to the people of Manipur but also the world.
Star Repertory observed a minute of silence in mourning during a condolence meeting held today. The theatre organisation conveyed that Ratan Thiyam's legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of the people.
Four organisations based in Jiribam - JIMWAK, IPSA Jiribam, SWA Jiribam, and KSA Jiribam have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of legendary playwright, theatre director, and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Ratan Thiyam.
In a joint condolence message, the organisations acknowledged the enormous contribution of Ratan Thiyam in uplifting the art and culture of Manipur on the global stage.
They highlighted his role in inspiring generations through impactful drama, thought-provoking theatre, and his commitment to promoting cultural values.
His passing leaves a void that can never be filled, they added, while also extending their deepest sympathies to the bereaved family.
Moreover, Naharol Sahitya Premee Samiti, Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN), Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF), Manipur Semgat Sagatpa Lup (MASSAL), Regional Indigenous Forum For Peaceful Co-Existence (RIPCO)- Manipur, Communist Party of India (M), The Cultural Forum, Manipur, Progressive Artiste Laboratory (PAL), Iramdam Meeyamgi Apunba Khorjel Lup (IMAKHOL), Khenjonglang and Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association  have also paid their respects and condoled the demise of Ratan Thiyam, praising his legacy and impact on the theatre world.