Elam Endira Devi

🪔 About

Elam Endira Devi, born on September 1, 1954, in Khwai Nagamapal Singjubung Leirak, Imphal, Manipur, is a distinguished Indian classical dancer, choreographer, teacher, and scholar renowned for her profound expertise in Manipuri dance, particularly in the traditional forms of Lai Haraoba and Raas. Her journey in dance began at the tender age of eight under the tutelage of late Guru Lourembam Amuyaima Singh. She further honed her skills under eminent gurus including R.K. Akesana, Padmashree Maisnam Amubi Singh, Thingbaijam Babu Singh, Thiyam Tarunkumar Singh, R.K. Priyogopal Sana, Yumshanbi Maibi, Thambalngou, Ng Kumar Maibi, and Haobam Nganbi Devi. Devi pursued formal education alongside her dance training, earning a Diploma in Nitya Charya in 1967, and postgraduate degrees in Ras Dance (1979) and Lai-Haraoba Dance (1984) from the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy (JNMDA). She also holds a BA from Guwahati University (1979) and an MA in Manipuri Culture and Literature from Manipur University (1988). Her career spans over five decades, marked by extensive performances in classical solos, ballets, and dance dramas, both nationally and internationally, under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). In 1993, Elam Endira Devi founded the Meitei Traditional Dance Teaching School and Performing Centre in Imphal, serving as its director. This institution, recognized by the Ministry of Art and Culture, has been instrumental in preserving and promoting authentic Manipuri dance traditions, training over 1,000 students. She has also served as a Senior Guru at JNMDA since 1996, contributing significantly to the academy's curriculum and training. Her choreographic works include innovative pieces like Thougal Jagoi and Panthoibi Jagoi, and ballets addressing social and environmental themes. For her immense contributions to art and culture, the Government of India honored her with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award, in 2014. Awards & Honours: Padma Shri (2014), Young Artist Scholarship in Manipuri Classical Dance (1972), Nrita Rani Upadhi Gold Medal (1984), Junior Fellowship (1990), First Prize (All Manipur Dance Festival on Classical Dance) (1967), First Prize (All Manipur State Level Dance Competition) (1968), Excellence Award (World Theatre Day - Short Play) (1970), Best Actress Award (All India Drama Festival) (1971), National Award (for feature film Matamgi Manipur) (1974), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2023).