Imphal, Manipur | July 28, 2025

In a moment of immense pride for the state of Manipur and the Indian fashion community at large, Pangambam Bachapan, a trailblazing costume and fashion designer, is set to be honored with the Prof Dr R Subbakrishna Memorial Honorary Doctorate Award 2025. This distinguished recognition, which commemorates outstanding contributions in art, culture, and innovation, will be presented to Bachapan during a grand ceremony scheduled for August 20, 2025, at the conference hall of Chill AT Chang in Boragaon, Gauhati, coinciding with the celebration of the 34th Manipuri Language Day.

Bachapan’s name has become synonymous with innovation, authenticity, and cultural pride in the Indian fashion world. Hailing from Yairipok Poiroukhongjin near Kaina Govindajee, Imphal East, he has, over the years, carved out a distinct niche for himself through his passionate commitment to costume design that preserves the soul of Manipuri traditions while embracing modern aesthetics. His work, particularly his creative reinterpretation of the Salai Head Gear, has received widespread acclaim, not only for its intricate beauty but also for how it pays homage to indigenous heritage in contemporary fashion spaces.

Born on February 20, 1999, Bachapan began his journey into the world of design with humble beginnings but remarkable clarity of purpose. Over time, his determination and unique vision transformed him into one of the most respected names in costume and fashion design, especially in the northeastern region of India. His body of work is both vast and versatile, having contributed to more than 20 films, 100+ music videos, and a myriad of regional and national beauty pageants. With each creation, he has not only showcased the elegance of Manipuri craftsmanship but also elevated the state’s cultural identity to a national platform.

In recognition of his extraordinary journey and his role in promoting Indian regional fashion on a larger scale, Pangambam Bachapan will be awarded the honorary doctorate by a prestigious collaboration of institutions: the Directorate of Regional Indian Languages and Research (DRILR), Manipur International University, Jalukbari Taekwondo Association, Yalundoor Gourama Rangswamiah Charities Trust (Mysore, Karnataka), and Famous People India World, a cultural initiative founded by Rajesh Panda. These organizations have collectively acknowledged Bachapan as not just an artist, but a cultural ambassador whose designs narrate the legacy of Manipuri identity through textiles and style.

Beyond the world of costume design, Bachapan is a mentor, entrepreneur, and cultural advocate. He is the founder and creative head of Bachu Unique Creation (BUC), a label known for its meticulous craftsmanship and elegant fusion of tradition with innovation. Through BUC, he has mentored young designers, many of whom have gone on to participate in fashion shows and exhibitions across India. His one-year training program at the State Academy of Training Centerunder the BUC Design Classes has nurtured a new generation of Manipuri designers, each one inspired by Bachapan’s story of resilience and creativity.

Bachapan’s achievements are underscored by a growing list of prestigious honors, which include the National Youth Icon Award 2025, Dr. Ambedkar Fellowship National Award 2024, and the Babu Jagjivan Ram National Samman Padak 2024. His earlier recognitions, such as the Best Designer Award at the Sin Laang Festival (2017) and Winner of the Phenomenon Costume Contest (2018), reflect his consistent excellence and visionary work from the very start of his career. He has also designed for notable personalities, including Vikash Usham, winner of Mr. National Universe 2019, and a model who earned international acclaim by ranking 19th globally in a Fstoppers world competition.

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A graduate of Oriental College under Manipur University with a Bachelor of Arts degree completed in 2022, Bachapan’s academic foundation complements his creative endeavors. He completed his higher secondary education from HRD Academy in 2016 and secondary education from Antartic English School in 2014. Fluent in Manipuri and English, he is known for his articulate communication skills and thoughtful approach to design, which often draws upon storytelling, symbolism, and regional motifs.

Bachapan’s artistry has graced several cultural stages, including major fashion events and festivals like the Orange Festival, Pineapple Festival, and Ethical Fashion Events held across Manipur. His designs, while visually striking, are deeply rooted in cultural awareness, making him not only a designer but a storyteller whose work evokes pride and nostalgia for native traditions. His passion for preserving the soul of Manipuri identity in his work has made him a beloved figure among cultural institutions, artists, and the broader community.

Outside of his professional life, Bachapan is an artist in every sense. He enjoys painting, singing, sewing, and mentoring, all of which contribute to his well-rounded personality and creative spirit. These hobbies not only fuel his imagination but also keep him grounded in the values of discipline, empathy, and self-expression.

As he prepares to receive the Prof Dr R Subbakrishna Memorial Honorary Doctorate Award, Pangambam Bachapan stands at a turning point—one that marks the culmination of years of dedication, and the beginning of a new chapter defined by even broader impact. His journey is a powerful reminder of how talent, when fused with cultural integrity and hard work, can transcend borders and create movements that inspire future generations.

The award ceremony on August 20 promises to be a landmark occasion, bringing together intellectuals, cultural icons, academicians, and fashion enthusiasts from across the country. It will not only celebrate the legacy of Manipuri language and identity but will also shine a spotlight on individuals like Pangambam Bachapan who are actively shaping the cultural narrative of modern India.

In honoring Bachapan, the organizing bodies are not just recognizing one man’s achievements—they are acknowledging the spirit of a generation of creators who are reclaiming tradition, reimagining identity, and redefining the future of Indian fashion. As the countdown to the ceremony begins, all eyes turn to Gauhati, where a designer from the heart of Manipur will receive the honor he so deeply deserves.

Congratulations, Pangambam Bachapan—a beacon of tradition, innovation, and inspiration.