Inner Manipur MP Dr. Bimol Akoijam has been requested by the UAL, a prominent confederation of clubs in Imphal, to advocate for the posthumous awarding of the Bharat Ratna to the renowned theater legend Ratan Thiyam. UAL characterized Thiyam as a unique talent who transformed Indian theater with his artistic and philosophical perspective in a memo signed by UAL President Soram Tekendrajit Singh. Thiyam’s multifaceted legacy as a playwright, director, composer, choreographer, and founder of the Chorus Repertory Theatre in Imphal—which rose to prominence as a global hub for modern theater—was highlighted in the memorandum.
His well-known plays, including Lairembeegee Eshei and Chakravyahu, had resonance on a global scale. Along with serving in prestigious cultural establishments like the National School of Drama and the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Thiyam was also awarded other accolades, such as the Padma Shri and Tagore Ratna. The Bharat Ratna, according to UAL, would be a fitting homage to his enormous contributions to Indian art and culture.