In a vibrant celebration of art and heritage, young talents from across the Northeast were honored at the 2nd National Youth Cultural Festival 2026 in Imphal. The event highlighted the cultural unity of the region, with two exceptional artists from Assam and Tripura receiving the prestigious National Youth Cultural Award 2026 alongside their peers from Manipur.
The festival, organized jointly by Ipak Films Production, Manipur and the Jaideep Memorial Foundation, Imphal, was held on February 11 at the auditorium of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Palace Compound. The event recognized nine promising youths who have made significant contributions to various fields of art.
Dignitaries and Event Highlights
The awards ceremony was graced by distinguished personalities from the political and cultural spheres. Thangjam Arunkumar Singh, MLA of Wangkhei Assembly Constituency, attended as the Chief Guest. The function was presided over by Mairembam Prithviraj Singh, former MLA of Moirang Assembly Constituency.
The event began with a warm Welcome Address delivered by the Festival Chairman, Khwairakpam Bishwamitra. Following this, Rakesh Naorem, the Convenor of the festival, delivered the keynote address, outlining the vision and significance of the festival. Chief Patron Dr. RK Nayansana Devi also shared her insights on the importance of preserving cultural roots.
Pride of Cachar and Tripura
Among the nine recipients of the National Youth Cultural Award 2026 were Thongam Sanjana Singha from Cachar, Assam, and Leishangthem Asha Singha from Tripura. Their recognition underscores the dedication of Manipuri diaspora communities in sustaining their rich artistic traditions.
The award carries a cash prize of ₹5,000, a shawl, a citation, and a memento.
Thongam Sanjana Singha (Assam)
Born on March 20, 2009, in Nutan Bazar, Cachar District, Thongam Sanjana Singha is a young prodigy in Manipuri Folk and Classical dance. Daughter of Thongam Satyen Singha and Taorem Ratanabati Singha, she is currently a Class XI student at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Senior Secondary School, Cachar.
Sanjana achieved her Visharad-II in Manipuri Dance from Bhatkhande Sangit Vidyapith, Lucknow, at just 10 years old. A scholarship holder from the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) since 2023, she recently secured the First Position in the Ethnic Group Dance Competition at the Assam Sanskritik Mahasangram 2023-24. Her energetic performances continue to bring laurels to the Cachar district.
Leishangthem Asha Singha (Tripura)
Hailing from Lalshingmura, Sepahijala District in Tripura, Leishangthem Asha Singha has established herself as a dedicated exponent of Manipuri Dance. Born in 1991, she pursued formal education in the art form, completing her Master's in Dance from Manipur University in 2016.
Currently a 'B-High' grade artist at DDK Imphal, Asha has performed in over eight states across India. Her commitment to the art has previously earned her the Nritya Utkartha Summan Award 2023 and the Khoisnam Bangabir Memorial Young Talent Award 2024.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The festival also honored veteran talent with the Thangjam Birachandra & Thangjam Ongbi Maipakpi Lifetime Achievement Award 2026. This year’s recipient was the celebrated Manipuri Theatre and Film Actress, RK Hemamabati.
Sponsored by Dr. Thangjam Dhabali Singh, Founder & Chairman of Babina Group, Imphal, this prestigious award included a cash prize of ₹20,000, a shawl, a citation, and a memento.
Full List of Awardees
The nine young achievers honored with the National Youth Cultural Award 2026 are:
- Mayanglambam Mangka (Folk Singer) - Manipur
- Benita Laishram (Folk Performer) - Manipur
- Sonia Samjetsabam (Film Actress) - Manipur
- Leishangthem Asha Singha (Manipuri Dance) - Tripura
- Jaya Khundrakpam (Classical Manipuri Dance) - Manipur
- Thongam Sanjana Singha (Folk Dance) - Assam
- Songthu James Koireng (Theatre) - Manipur
- Mutum Herojit (Martial Arts) - Manipur
- Loitongbam Barashyam Singh (Public Performer) - Manipur
✍️ Published by Lakhipuronline Team