Imphal, July 15, 2025 — Acclaimed contemporary dancer and choreographer Surjit Nongmeikapam has been selected for the prestigious Prof Dr R Subbakrishna Memorial Honorary Doctorate Award 2025. This recognition places him among the finest visionaries in Indian contemporary arts, honoring not only his groundbreaking choreographic work but also his tireless advocacy for dance innovation rooted in cultural identity.

The award will be formally conferred during the inaugural International Conference on Population Education cum Distribution of the Prof Dr R Subbakrishna Memorial Community Linguist Award 2025. This major academic and cultural event is jointly organized by the Directorate of Regional Indian Languages and Research (DRILR), Manipur International University, and Apunba Iramdamgi Maheiroisingi Sinpanglup (AIMS), with the support of Famous People India World.

Surjit Nongmeikapam, often referred to as one of the leading pioneers in India’s contemporary dance landscape, has reshaped how Manipuri performance art is perceived both nationally and internationally. Through his fearless exploration of movement, tradition, and emotion, he has created a distinct vocabulary in dance that bridges indigenous forms with global expressions.

As the founder and artistic director of the Nachom Arts Foundation, Surjit has nurtured a new wave of contemporary dancers in Manipur. His foundation acts as both a creative hub and a sanctuary for experimentation, dialogue, and mentorship in the performing arts. His contribution goes beyond performance—he has also been instrumental in building sustainable platforms for contemporary dance in a region traditionally rooted in classical and folk art forms.

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Surjit’s solo performance “One Voice” garnered international acclaim when it was presented at the Zürcher Theater Spektakel in Zurich in 2013. His bold work “Nerves”, which won the PECDA Award in 2014, and “Folktale”, which received the same honor in 2016, highlight his ability to translate deeply personal and socio-political narratives into powerful stage presentations. In 2025, he further cemented his legacy with “Lines and Dots”, a dynamic collaboration with Malaysia’s ASK Dance Company. This production earned him the Best Choreographer Award at the prestigious BOH Cameronian Arts Awards, marking a major cross-cultural success.

His accolades also include the AMI Arts Festival Youth Award for Performing Arts in 2021 and the Best Cinematography Award at The Himalayan Film Festival for his evocative dance film SAMNABA. Each recognition reflects his ability to seamlessly navigate between mediums—whether live performances or cinematic expressions—while maintaining the core of his artistic voice.

Surjit’s achievements are not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the global potential of contemporary dance emerging from India’s Northeast. His work confronts the rigid definitions of cultural performance, offering instead a fluid, responsive, and deeply human artistic practice.

The Prof Dr R Subbakrishna Memorial Honorary Doctorate Award is a landmark acknowledgment for artists who have not only excelled in their craft but have used their influence to inspire change and cultivate new dialogues. In honoring Surjit Nongmeikapam, the organizers reaffirm the vital role of artists in shaping not only cultural but also intellectual and educational discourse in society.

As he prepares to receive this honorary doctorate, Surjit Nongmeikapam remains a beacon of innovation, resilience, and grace in the world of contemporary dance. His journey stands as a powerful reminder that art, when grounded in authenticity and courage, transcends boundaries and becomes a force for collective growth.