Elam Endira Devi
Elam Endira Devi, is an Indian classical dancer and teacher, known for her expertise and scholarship in the classical dance form of Manipuri, especially in the genres of "Lai Haraoba" and "Raas". The Government of India honored her, in 2014, with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, for her services to the field of art and culture. Biography. Born on 1 September 1954 to Elam Bidhumani Singh and Elam Rosomani Devi at Khwai Nagamapal Singjubung Leirak, Imphal, in the north east Indian state of Manipur, Elam Indira Devi started learning Manipuri dance at the early  age of eight, under the tutelage of Guru Lourembam Amuyaima Singh. Later, she studied under teachers such as R. K. Akesana, Padmashree Maisnam Amubi Singh, Thingbaijam Babu Singh and Thiyam Tarunkumar Singh, before joining JN Manipur Dance Academy, Imphal for the Diploma course where she had the opportunity to learn under R. K. Priyogopal Sana, Yumshanbi Maibi, Thambalngou, Ng Kumar Maibi and Haobam Nganbi. She passed the Diploma course of "Nitya Charya" in 1967. Simultaneously, she maintained her curricular studies and secured BA and later, MA in Manipuri Culture and Literarture, in 1979, from Guwahati University. Meanwhile, she continued her  studies in dance as well and, with the assistance of "Young Artist Scholarship" from the Ministry of Culture, the Government of India, completed post graduate degrees in Raas in 1979, and in Lai haraoba in 1984. Endira Devi has performed in a feature film, "Matamgi Manipur", which won the National Film Award for the best film in Meitei, in 1972. She has also performed at many regional, national and international stages. Some of the notable international performances are: Endira Devi has also participated in many ballets and dance dramas. Endira Devi is married to Haobam Manigopal Singh and the couple  has three sons and two daughters. Meitei Traditional Dance Teaching School and Performing Centre. In 1993, Endira Devi founded the Meitei Traditional Dance Teaching School and Performing Centre at Imphal and is the Director of the Institute ever since. The institute a centre for learning classical and traditional dances and ballets and is recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Positions. Endira Devi has held various noteworthy positions such as: She is a Life Member of the UNESCO Club Association of India since 2009 and has been serving as an Expert commentator on Manipuri Dance at the All  India Radio, Imphal - from 1989 onwards. She has also worked as the guest lecturer for University Grants Commission at the Academic Staff College, Manipur University from 2001 to 2012 and is currently working as the Senior Guru at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy Manipur, Imphal, since 1996. Writings. Elam Endira Devi has published four books on Manipuri dance and culture. Lai Haraoba Wakhallon Paring (Series of thoughts on Lai-haraoba) won the Gold Medal from "Naharol Sahitya Premi Samiti", Imphal in 2002 She has also presented several papers and delivered many lectures at various seminars and conferences at national  and international level.