Why has the Manipur government declared state mourning for theatre legend Ratan Thiyam?

Imphal, July 23 (NationPress) The government of Manipur has declared a state of mourning for Thursday, honoring the legacy of India's esteemed theatre figure and Padma Shri recipient Ratan Thiyam, who passed away at a hospital in Imphal on Wednesday. His remarkable contributions have significantly transformed the landscape of contemporary Indian theatre.

The General Administration Department of the Manipur government issued a notification late Wednesday, stating that the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, has ordered a one-day state mourning on Thursday, July 24, in tribute to the celebrated playwright and theatre figure Ratan Thiyam. The National Flag will be flown at Half Mast throughout the state, and there will be no official entertainment on this day of remembrance.

This morning, a large gathering of mourners, including artists, writers, theatre professionals, musicians, public figures, and political leaders, assembled at the Chorus Repertory Theatre Shrine in Samushang, Imphal West, to bid a heartfelt farewell to the 77-year-old theatre legend. The final rituals were held at the local crematorium in Uripok, attended by thousands from various backgrounds.

The Art and Culture Department of Manipur stated that Ratan Thiyam was a visionary theatre director and playwright, recognized as one of the nation’s most eminent cultural icons.

Born on January 20, 1948, in the sacred Nabadwip Dham of Nadia District, West Bengal, and nurtured in Imphal, Thiyam displayed exceptional talent in various artistic fields, including fine arts, literature, and theatre from a young age.

According to H. Gyan Prakash, Commissioner of the Art and Culture Department, Thiyam graduated from the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, in 1974, and founded the Chorus Repertory Theatre in 1976, which has set high standards for performance theatre both nationally and internationally. He held significant roles in various esteemed cultural institutions across the country.

Thiyam served as the Director of NSD from 1987 to 1989 and later as its Chairperson from 2013 to 2017. He also held the position of Vice-Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi in New Delhi and was the Artistic Director of the 8th Theatre Olympics in 2018, showcasing his international presence. His passion, creativity, and dedication have left a lasting impact on the stage and in the hearts of many.

“His ability to bring stories to life and inspire generations of artists and audiences was truly remarkable. The theatre community has lost a true giant, but Thiyam's legacy will continue to resonate through every performance and artist he influenced,” the statement concluded.

A recipient of India's fourth-highest civilian honor, the Padma Shri, awarded in 1989, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987, Thiyam was known for his unique ability to blend traditional Manipuri art forms with modern innovation and poetic storytelling. He briefly led the National School of Drama as its chief from 1987 to 1988.

Some of Thiyam's additional accolades include the Kalidas Samman in 1997, the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration in 2008, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 2012, and the Tagore Ratna in 2012. His most recent recognition was the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Manipur government on January 54th Statehood Day for his invaluable contributions to theatre and cultural heritage in the state.