40+
Years of Experience
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About
Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi was a celebrated Indian classical dancer, renowned for her profound contributions to the Manipuri dance form over five decades. Born on June 1, 1935, in Keishampat Leimajam Leikai, Imphal, Manipur, she hailed from a family deeply rooted in the arts; her father, Thiyam Iboton Singh, was a famous Pung player, and her mother, Thiyam…
Journey Timeline
1935
Born — Born on June 1 in Keishampat Leimajam Leikai, Imphal, Manipur.
1950
Associated with Nrityashram — Associated with Nrityashram, a pioneering Manipuri dance institute.
1952
Began performing — Started performing her dancing talents in various states of India.
1953
First Manipuri solo dance — Performed her first Manipuri solo dance item “Abhimanyu” at Bharatiya Kala Kendra, Delhi.
1954
International Debut — Represented India as part of a cultural delegation in the erstwhile Soviet Union.
1958
Joined JNMDA — Joined the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA).
1960
Key roles in dance dramas — Took key roles in Manipuri dance dramas under Guru Amubi's direction.
1961
Performed at Tagore Centenary and Geeta Govinda Seminar
1975
Joined JNMDA production unit — Joined the production unit of JNMDA as a senior dancer.
1985
Received State Kala Akademi Award — Honoured by the Government of Manipur.
1986
Associated with SPICMACAY — Became part of SPICMACAY and served as Guru for Guru-Sishya Parampara.
1999
Received Nirtya Bhusan Upadhi — Awarded by Manipur Sahitya Parishad.
2003
Received Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Honoured by the Indian Government.
2006
Retired from JNMDA — Retired from Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy.
2009
Received Guru Tarunkumar Saman
2025
Awarded Padma Shri — Received India's fourth-highest civilian honour.
2025
Passed away — Passed away on June 29, at the age of 90.
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Awards & Honors
- 1985 · State Kala Akademi Award — Government of Manipur
- 1999 · Nirtya Bhusan Upadhi — Manipur Sahitya Parishad
- 2003 · Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Government of India
- 2009 · Guru Tarunkumar Saman
- 2025 · Padma Shri — Government of India
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