Imphal: The 60-year-old musical genius, Padma Shri Guru Rewben Mashangva was officially felicitated by BJP Manipur State Department of Political Programmes at Classic Grande, Chingmeirong today for being awarded India’s 4th highest civilian award, Padma Shri by the President of India for his distinguished service in Arts on November 9 at New Delhi.
The incharge of the BJP State department, Irengbam Hirachandra Singh and Michael Shaiza, BJP Manipur state co-incharge, BJP Ukhrul district Mahila Morcha vice president Kaphungown Ramsan and Lungreiwon Kaiwungnao BJP Ukhrul district treasurer cum BJP Ukhrul district Mahila Morcha incharge, former Miss Manipur Phapha Gachui attended as special guests of the auspicious felicitation programme.
Michael Shaiza, who is also the president Ecological Rehabilitators Association (ERA) at the event said, “A very big congratulations to Guru Rewben Mashangva ji for being officially awarded the Padma Shri 2021, at Rashtrapati Bhavan by the President of India. Guru Rewben Mashangva ji is the Father of Naga Folk Blues and he is instrumental in resurrecting Tangkhul Naga’s musical heritage in tremendous way. Hats off to Guru ji”.
“BJP seniour karyakarta Padma Shri Gru Rewben Mashangva ji has been officially awarded the award by government of India and it is a matter of great pride for the people of Manipur in particular and the Northeast in general that a citizen of India from Northeast and a fellow BJP karyakarta has received the award”, said Irengbam Hirachandra Singh BJP Manipur state incharge for department of political programmes and meeting.
Guru Rewben Mashangva was born on the June 21, 1961 and brought up in Choithar village of Ukhrul district, Manipur, to a father who was a carpenter. Along Guru’s uncharted and hard way in his musical journey, with sheer hard work and entirely self-taught, Guru Rewben Mashangva went on to create a unique soundscape, revitalizing Tangkhul Naga folk songs and music.
Guru Mashangva was also honoured with an award by Manipur State Kala Akademi in 2005 for his commendable contribution toward Tribal Culture, and certificate for training “shishyas” in Tangkhul Naga Folk Song, 2004-2006, under the Guru Shishya Parampara of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and accolades such as North East Excellence Award by Indian Chamber of Commerce, 2009, “in recognition of his innate musical mastery and knowledge of Naga Folk Music”, and National Tribal Award by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for his contribution “in the field of Tribal Art and Culture, 2011-12.
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