Dance academic celebrates foundation day

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, April 1, 2019: Manipur governor Najma Heptulla today inaugurated 65th foundation day of the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) was inaugurated today.

The foundation day celebration of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA), a constituent unit of Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi will be held for three days.

Heptulla said JNMDA was the first dance institute established in the North Eastern region and has grown into a premier Manipuri dance institute of the country. Initially established as Manipur Dance College, the institution received a major contribution from the Prime Minister’s Fund during prime ministership of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Later, it was renamed to its present name in his memory after his demise.

JNMDA has grown tremendously and has produced many eminent artistes and exponents contributing to the rich cultural spectrum of the state. The Academy imparts different levels of courses in various dance forms of Manipur and the production init has performed creditably by producing outstanding dance dramas, widely acclaimed not only in the country but internationally also, she added.

The governor expressed her confidence that the Institute will continue to bring out the best in Manipuri culture but will also pursue various issues relating to it in the world of modern art and culture.

She urged for collective commitment for preserving core cultural values and translate into further growth.

Heptulla distributed Gold medals and certificates to the academy students for the year 2018-19 to Oinam Madanamohan Singh, Leichombam Sapana Devi, Maisnam Pari Meetei, Naorem Chanu Leisembi and Laikhuram Monika Devi.

Two books depicted by Haobam Ibochouba and A. Chiteshwar Sharma were also released.

As part of the function presentation of solo dance by gold medalists were also witnessed by the gathering