Imphal, Manipur - The posthumous conferment of the Padma Shri Award to YumnamJatra Singh in 2026 celebrates more than an individual honour, it recognises a lifetime devoted to preserving one of India’s most sacred and ancient performing arts. A master of Nata Sankirtana, Singh’s work spanned more than seven decades, during which he became a guiding light for both students and practitioners of Manipuri cultural heritage.

Early Life and Roots

Born on September 10, 1923, at TengdongyanAwangLeikai in Imphal West district, Singh was the son of late Y. Tomba Singh and late Y. (O) Thaballei Devi. His early life was shaped by rural surroundings and modest beginnings, and although he initially worked in agriculture, his interest in devotional music and rhythm was evident from a very young age.

Singh’s fascination with the deeply spiritual Nata Sankirtana, a Vaishnavite tradition combining eshei (devotional singing), pung (drumming), kartal (cymbals), and moibung (conch shell) — led him to pursue formal education in the arts. He later completed diplomas in Eshei and Cholom at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) in 1976 and 1980, respectively, under the guidance of several eminent gurus.

Notable Works and Contributions

Singh’s artistic life was marked by dedication to both performance and pedagogy:

● Performance Career: Beginning as early as 1949, Singh performed Nata Sankirtana across India, introducing audiences to the spiritual vibrancy of Manipuri devotional arts. His performances were known for their authentic interpretation of rhythm and devotion, deeply rooted in the cultural ethos of Manipur.

● Teaching and Mentorship: As a visiting guru at JNMDA, one of India’s premier cultural institutions, Singh mentored generations of students, helping preserve the guru–shishya (teacher–disciple) tradition that forms the backbone of classical Indian performing arts. Many of his students continue to carry forward his teachings.

● All India Radio:Recognised as an approved artist of All India Radio, Imphal, Singh helped take the devotional sounds of Nata Sankirtana to listeners beyond Manipur, expanding awareness and appreciation of this art form nationally.

● Awards and Recognition: Over his lifetime, Singh received significant honours, including the Manipur State Kala Akademi Award and the SangeetNatakAkademi Award in 2023, affirming his stature as one of the foremost custodians of Manipuri traditional music and dance.

Notably, Nata Sankirtana itself was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013, acknowledging its universal artistic and cultural value, a milestone that Singh lived to witness with pride.

Personal Life and Legacy

Singh spent his later years in ThangmeibandLeirenhanjabaLeikai, where he continued to teach, perform, and inspire long after most artists would have retired. Despite reaching the age of 102, his devotion to art remained undiminished until his passing on October 11, 2025.

His son, YumnamBishambor Singh, described the Padma Shri recognition as a deeply emotional moment for the family, expressing pride not just in the award, but in the cultural legacy his father built through decades of relentless dedication. The family also noted that none of Singh’s children took up Nata Sankirtana professionally, making his personal contribution even more singular and historic.

Legacy Beyond Awards

YumnamJatra Singh’s life was not defined by accolades alone, but by the many voices and rhythms he nurtured, and the countless hearts he moved through music, belief, and discipline. In an age of rapid cultural change, his work stands as a testament to the strength of tradition, the value of mentorship, and the power of artistic devotion, ensuring that Nata Sankirtana, and the cultural soul it embodies, will continue to resonate for generations to come.