Lakhipuronline Digital Desk, February 14, 2026: 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 grand event highlighted the profound 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 successfully held on February 11 at the prestigious auditorium of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Palace Compound. The event officially recognized nine highly promising youths who have made significant, outstanding contributions to various rich fields of performing art and culture.
Dignitaries and Event Highlights
The awards ceremony was graced by several distinguished personalities from the political and cultural spheres. Thangjam Arunkumar Singh, the Hon'ble MLA of Wangkhei Assembly Constituency, attended the event as the Chief Guest. The cultural function was gracefully presided over by Mairembam Prithviraj Singh, former MLA of Moirang Assembly Constituency.
The event began with a warm and highly encouraging Welcome Address delivered by the Festival Chairman, Khwairakpam Bishwamitra. Following this, Rakesh Naorem, the dedicated Convenor of the festival, delivered a powerful keynote address, clearly outlining the core vision and historical significance of the festival. Chief Patron Dr. RK Nayansana Devi also shared her deep academic insights on the absolute importance of actively preserving our indigenous cultural roots.
Pride of Cachar and Tripura
Among the nine proud recipients of the National Youth Cultural Award 2026 were Thongam Sanjana Singha from Cachar, Assam, and Leishangthem Asha Singha from Tripura. Their notable recognition profoundly underscores the immense dedication of Manipuri diaspora communities in sustaining and promoting their rich artistic traditions beyond the state's borders.
The prestigious award impressively carries a cash prize of ₹5,000, a traditional shawl, a formal citation, and a beautiful memento.
Thongam Sanjana Singha (Assam)
Born on March 20, 2009, in Nutan Bazar, Cachar District, Thongam Sanjana Singha is a highly talented young prodigy in Manipuri Folk and Classical dance. Daughter of Thongam Satyen Singha and Taorem Ratanabati Singha, she is currently a dedicated Class XI student studying at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Senior Secondary School in Cachar.
Sanjana successfully achieved her Visharad-II in Manipuri Dance from the prestigious Bhatkhande Sangit Vidyapith, Lucknow, at just 10 years old. A proud scholarship holder from the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) since 2023, she recently secured the esteemed First Position in the Ethnic Group Dance Competition at the Assam Sanskritik Mahasangram 2023-24. Her energetic and flawless performances continue to bring great laurels to the entire Cachar district.
Leishangthem Asha Singha (Tripura)
Hailing from the scenic village of Lalshingmura, Sepahijala District in Tripura, Leishangthem Asha Singha has firmly established herself as a highly dedicated exponent of Manipuri Dance. Born in 1991, she passionately pursued formal education in the classical art form, successfully completing her Master's Degree in Dance from Manipur University in 2016.
Currently serving as a recognized 'B-High' grade artist at DDK Imphal, Asha has gracefully performed in over eight different states across India. Her immense commitment and contribution to the art form have previously earned her the reputed Nritya Utkartha Summan Award 2023 and the Khoisnam Bangabir Memorial Young Talent Award 2024.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The grand cultural festival also respectfully honored veteran talent with the prestigious Thangjam Birachandra & Thangjam Ongbi Maipakpi Lifetime Achievement Award 2026. This year’s highly deserving recipient was the celebrated and universally loved Manipuri Theatre and Film Actress, RK Hemamabati.
Generously sponsored by Dr. Thangjam Dhabali Singh, the visionary Founder & Chairman of Babina Group, Imphal, this prestigious top-tier award notably included a cash prize of ₹20,000, a traditional shawl, a formal citation, and a beautiful memento.
Full List of the 2026 Awardees
The nine outstanding young achievers proudly 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