Guru Rewben Mashangva, the renowned folk musician and singer from Ukhrul, Manipur, also known as the ‘King of Naga Folk Blues’ is honoured with the Padma Shri Awards, for his distinguished
service in Arts from Manipur. The other Padma Shri Award recipient from Manipur, Ms. Radhe Devi is also under Arts category. They are among the 15 Padmishri awardees from Northeast for 2021 Republic Day.
This year the President has approved conferment of 119 Padma Awards. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year and the ceremonial functions are usually held around March/ April at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in the capital.
Guru Rewben son of a carpenter, after becoming enamoured by church music during his childhood days became known for reviving musical tradition of the Tangkhul Nagas.
Known as ‘King of Naga Folk Blues’ by the public and ‘Cultural Ambassador of the Nagas’ by the journalist, Guru Rewben is a talented singer, musician, songwriter, folk music researcher and maker of musical instruments. His music is famous for use of traditional musical instruments.
He plays the guitar producing an ethnic folk sound like no one can, the mouth organ, the four hole flute known as yangkahui, the tingteila (folk fiddle) and his rare cow bell percussion.
Awards:
Guru Rewben has won a number of rewards such as the:
– All India Radio approved artist.
– ‘Guru’ title confeered under Guru Shishya Parampara Scheme under sponshorship of North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC).
– Manipur State Kala Akademi Awardee 2005 for Tribal Folk Music.
– NETV People’s Choice Nominee 2006, Folk Musician of the year.
– North East Excellence Award 2009 by Indian Chamber of Commerce.
– National Tribal Award 2012 by Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
BJP National Spokesperson and in-charge Mizoram, Mmhonlumo Kikon took to twitter and congratulated Guru.
With inputs from rewben.com