Imphal, June 28: In a landmark moment for India’s cultural diplomacy and Manipuri heritage, the Embassy of India in Beijing hosted an unprecedented Manipuri cultural performance titled “LEICHAN”, lighting up the prestigious Swami Vivekananda Auditorium with the soulful elegance of traditional Manipuri arts.
The event marked a historic first — the debut of a Manipuri cultural programme at the Embassy’s cultural venue since its inception. It featured three distinguished Manipuri artists: Donna Ngairangbam and Undanna Leimapokpam, both M.A. graduates from the Department of Folk and Traditional Music and Department of Theatre and Performance Studies respectively at the Manipur University of Culture (MUC), along with Zerin Moirangthem, a recent postgraduate from the Shanghai Theatre Academy (STA), China.
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The evening unfolded with mesmerizing renditions of Pena Esei – Kokta Lamjel, Thougal Jagoi, Thang Leiteng Jagoi, and Kanglai Thokpa — each evoking the spiritual depth, aesthetic precision, and rich narrative tradition of Manipur. The audience, comprising diplomats, Chinese nationals, cultural scholars, and members of the Indian diaspora, responded with prolonged standing ovations.
Interest in the programme was so overwhelming that all seats were booked shortly after the announcement on the Indian Embassy’s website. In response to the demand, additional seating was arranged, yet many attendees stood in aisles and galleries to witness this rare showcase of indigenous artistry.
Describing the event as “historic and emotionally profound,” Ms. Neetu Rajan, IFS and Director of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) at the Embassy, noted how the performance resonated deeply with the audience. She observed that the performers’ unique artistic expression and shared ancestral features with East Asian communities sparked moments of emotional connection and cultural introspection.
The cultural showcase also coincided with the Ceremonial Function and Degree Awarding Ceremony of the Shanghai Summer School – Chinese Opera Course, organized by STA. Donna and Undanna, representing MUC, joined global peers in receiving the certificate, while Zerin Moirangthem, an STA student, was also honoured.
Dr. Lourembam Surjit Singh, Deputy Registrar and Director of the College Development Council, MUC, officially represented the university at the ceremony. “It was a moment of great pride to witness our students being honoured alongside peers from across the world,” said Dr. Surjit, who was warmly received by Mr. Zong Yu, Executive Director of STA’s International College, and Ms. Jaili, International Officer. “This visit has opened a path for deeper cultural and academic collaboration between our institutions.”
Though the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of MUC was initially scheduled to attend, an urgent meeting with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) in New Delhi required his presence. Nevertheless, Dr. Surjit affirmed that the engagements in Shanghai and Beijing signal a promising beginning for future exchanges, including a possible visit by STA delegates to Manipur during events such as the Sangai Festival, if supported by the Government of Manipur.
As Dr. Surjit emphasized, “This is more than an exchange of art—it is the forging of long-term academic and cultural ties. We look forward to collaborative ventures in theatre, music, cultural research, and dialogue.”
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“LEICHAN” was not just a performance — it was a living bridge between the heritage of Kangleipak (Manipur) and the global stage, a reaffirmation that the soul of Manipur, steeped in rhythm, spirituality, and performance, has the power to inspire across borders.
As the final strains of the Pena reverberated through the hall and the artists took their bow, the applause that followed was more than a standing ovation — it was a celebration of shared humanity and a new chapter in Indo-China cultural diplomacy.
The Embassy of India in Beijing, China X handle wrote: