Manipur: Age is not a hindrance for 97 year-old Laishram Birendrakumar Singh, who was conferred the Padma Shri Award, 2017, the country’s fourth highest prestigious civilian award for his contribution in music.
Singh has played a pivotal role in building, promoting music and preserving the indigenous Meitei tradition and identity.
Singh started at the very young age and dedicated himself to a lifelong study of a scientific approach to Manipuri folk music.
Through his research in folk music, he aimed to promote communal harmony in the state of Manipur, bridging the gap between different communities and enhancing emotional bonding amongst them.
The coveted award was given by the Manipur state Chief Secretary O. Nabakishore Singh in Imphal as the musicologist could not travel to Delhi due to ill health.
Earlier, he was also honored with Doctorate in Law and Literature by President Pranab Mukherjee as well as Sangeet Natak Akademi awards for his contribution to folk music and to revive the Manipuri folk songs and dances.
The now retired Engineer from Public Works Department continues his love for folk music.