Sumitra Charat Ram Award for Lifetime Achievement

In 2010, the Sumitra Charat Ram Award for Lifetime Achievement was instituted to honour those who embody the spirit of lifelong devotion to art. The award — comprising a cash prize, a citation, and a plaque — is presented annually on November 17, her birth anniversary, at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi.

Among its distinguished past recipients are Pt. Birju Maharaj – Kathak Dance, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia – Hindustani Music (Flute), Vid. Kishori Amonkar – Hindustani Music (Vocal), Vid. Girija Devi – Hindustani Music (Vocal), Ustad Amjad Ali Khan – Sarod, Guru Mayadhar  Raut – Odissi Dance, Vid. Kumudini Lakhia – Kathak Dance, Vid. Sonal Mansingh – Odissi Dance, Vid. Uma Sharma – Kathak Dance, Pt. Jasraj – Hindustani Music (Vocal), Smt. Shobha Deepak Singh – Director, Choreographer, Cultural Administrator, Shri Deepak Singh (posthumously) – Institution Builder and Chairman, Bharatiya Kala Kendra Trust.

This year, the award honours Shri Ratan Thiyam (1948–2025) — the visionary founder of Chorus Repertory Theatre, Imphal: Like Sumitraji, Thiyam devoted his life to synthesising tradition with modernity. His plays – Chakravyuha, Uttar Priyadarshi, Andha Yug, Chinglon Mapan Tampak Ama, among others – redefined Indian theatre as spiritual meditation. By blending Manipuri music & dance, classical Indian thought, and contemporary stagecraft, he forged a language of universality. 

The Board of Trustees of SBKK decided earlier in 2025 to confer the Award on Shri Ratan Thiyam and when he was informed of this decision, he gladly accepted the honour and agreed to come to Delhi to receive it on the due date.  Sadly, however, he passed away on 23rd July, 2025.  His son, Shri Thawai Thiyam will now receive the honour on behalf of his late illustrious father. 

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