RS MP Leishemba Sanajaoba seeks Bharat Ratna for theatre icon Ratan Thiyam

Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba has urged the Government of India to confer the Bharat Ratna posthumously on noted theatre icon Ratan Thiyam, describing it as a befitting tribute to his immense contribution to Indian arts and culture.

Raising the matter during Zero Hour in the ongoing parliamentary session, Sanajaoba highlighted Thiyam’s legacy as one of India’s greatest theatre visionaries and a towering cultural figure from Manipur. He said Thiyam’s work brought global recognition to Indian theatre through his unique blend of traditional Manipuri aesthetics and modern expression.

Recalling his contributions, the MP noted that over a career spanning five decades, Thiyam created several landmark productions, including Chakravyuha, Uttar Priyadarshi, and Ritu Samhara. He also described him as a multifaceted personality who excelled as a director and painter.

Sanajaoba further pointed out that Thiyam was the first person from Manipur to graduate from the National School of Drama, and later served as its director (1987–1989) and chairman (2013–2016).

He also listed major honours received by Thiyam, including the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Fellowship.

Emphasising his enduring impact on Indian theatre, Sanajaoba said awarding the Bharat Ratna to Thiyam would be a fitting recognition of his contributions to the nation’s cultural heritage.