Sagolshem Kirti Singh

🪔 About

Sagolshem Kirti Singh, a revered Guru of traditional Manipuri dance, passed away on March 6, 2024, at his residence in Uripok Takhellambam Leikai, Imphal West, Manipur. Born on March 1, 1956, to S. Kesho Singh, Guru Kirti Singh dedicated his life to the art form from an early age. He received initial training from local gurus before undertaking formal education at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA). He completed a three-year certificate course in 1970 and subsequently earned a Diploma in Manipuri dance in 1973 from JNMDA. His specialized training in classical Manipuri solo dance was under the tutelage of Guru Thiyam Tarunkumar Singh. For Raasdhari, a devotional dance form, he was trained by several distinguished Gurus, including Guru Kh. Lokeshor Singh, Guru Kshatriya Amuyaima Singh, and Guru Tarunkumar Singh. Guru Sagolshem Kirti Singh was a founding member and Assistant Guru of the Progressive Artiste Laboratory, serving from 1975 to 1989 and again from 1995 to 2016. He also contributed his expertise as a Guru at Banasthali Vidyapith and as a visiting Guru at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy. As a performer, he played significant roles in various dance drama productions by the Progressive Artiste Laboratory and conducted numerous Raas Lilas organized by PAL, JNMDA, NGOs in Bangladesh, and the government of Manipur. His international engagements included visits to Greece and Rome as a guest artiste of the Chorus Repertory Theatre. He mentored over 30 students in classical Manipuri dance across Manipur and Bangladesh. Guru Kirti Singh was also recognized as a well-known Manipuri Bhakti Sankirtana guru, emphasizing the spiritual essence of forms like Pung Cholom, which he taught for decades. Awards & Honours: Manipur State Kala Akademi Award (2013).