Lakhipuronline Digital Desk : Barak Valley, Assam – On Thursday, 11th April 2024, the Manipuri theatre community suffered a great loss as Yumnam Indrababu, a prominent theatre activist from Barak Valley, breathed his last at the age of 69. Following his sudden demise, various organizations in Barak Valley expressed their condolences.
To pay tribute to the legendary Theatre Director of Manipuri Theatre Centre, Assam, a condolence meeting was organized on 14th April 2024. The event, held at the headquarters of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Assam, was presided over by Kunjalal Yendrembam, the President of Manipuri Theatre Centre, Assam. Notable personalities such as Shri IS Thingom, Advisor of Manipuri Theatre Centre, Assam, and Theatre Artist Lairellakpam Ongbi Puinyabati graced the occasion. Social activist Wangjam Bashi, Journalist Phuritsabam Biramani, Singer Arambam Chandramohan, Prof. Y. Prafullo, Dr. Merina Sagapam, and others delivered speeches in remembrance of Yumnam Indrababu. The gathering also observed a one-minute silence to honor his memory.
Additionally, on 13th April 2024, Naharol Khorirol Shillup Assam Lakhipur and Chanura Khorjeilup held a joint condolence meeting at the Naharol Khorirol Shillup Assam Lakhipur Cachar hall. The meeting was attended by Thokchom Nalinikumar, Soubam Ongbi Jayanti, Wahengbam Binoykumar, Abdul Hamid, Kabrabam Upendra, Kabrabam Ongbi Anita, Heisnam Bina, Ayekpam Surjamukhi, and Ngangom Ongbi Purnajyoti.
Yumnam Indrababu, a renowned Manipuri theatre activist and dramatist, was born on 31st January 1955 in Mashpara, Cachar district, Assam. He was the son of Yumnam Indrakumar and Janhabi Devi. Indrababu graduated in Agricultural Science from Kanpur University and served as the President of Manipur Literary Forum Assam. He was also the Director of Manipuri Theatre Centre, Assam.
Indrababu authored several books under Janhabi Publication, including “Tekendrajit Bir,” “Mapan Manipur da Manipur Singna Khundaba,” “Cachar gi Puwari da Manipur gi Mafam,” and “Khonjom Lan gi Aroiba Numit.” He served as the editor of the tri-monthly magazine, ‘Sanaleipak.’ In 1982, at the 15th All India Short Play competition and Theatre Seminar of Prayag Sangeet Samity at Mehta Auditorium, Allahabad, the Natya Sangha Allahabad honored him with the Best Play Production Award for the drama ‘Karmabikash Our Manavata.’
Yumnam Indrababu is survived by his wife, Yumnam Ongbi Prabharani alias Bemsana, two daughters, and one son. The Manipuri theatre community and the people of Barak Valley will forever remember his contributions to the field of theatre and his dedication to promoting Manipuri culture.