Imphal, August 24, 2026: Manipur University Vice-Chancellor (In-charge), Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, on Monday warmly received and felicitated Dr Pukhrambam Lilabati Devi, Assistant Professor (S-3), Department of Dance and Music, Manipur University, following her selection for the prestigious National Award to Teachers 2026 by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India.
At a felicitation held in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Prof. Hemakumar honoured Dr Lilabati Devi by presenting her with a traditional Lengyan and congratulated her on bringing national recognition to the University. Prof Lilabati is the first recipient of the National Award to Teachers from the Manipur University.
The Vice-Chancellor described the honour as a proud moment not only for Manipur University but for the entire State of Manipur. He expressed confidence that Dr Lilabati Devi’s achievement would inspire other teachers and scholars of the University to strive for greater excellence in teaching, research and their respective academic disciplines.
Prof. Hemakumar said that September 5 would be a memorable and significant day for Manipur University, when Dr Lilabati Devi receives the National Award to Teachers 2026 from the Hon’ble President of India, Smt Draupadi Murmu, at the national award ceremony to be held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, on September 5, 2026, coinciding with Teachers’ Day.
He also expressed hope that such national recognition would encourage the entire University fraternity to work collectively towards strengthening Manipur University’s contribution to India’s higher education system.
The Vice-Chancellor further called upon the faculty members, scholars, students and alumni of Manipur University to contribute constructive ideas and suggestions for the continued development of the University. He emphasised that the honour achieved by a member of the University community should become an inspiration for collective efforts to enhance academic excellence, research, innovation, and the overall quality of higher education.
Dr Lilabati Devi is among 21 teachers from Higher Educational Institutions and Polytechnics across the country selected for the National Award to Teachers 2026. She is also one of only two awardees from the Northeast, the other being Prof. Ankuran Dutta of Gauhati University, Assam. The award carries a Certificate of Merit, a cash award of ₹50,000 and a silver medal.
Dr Lilabati Devi has built her academic and artistic career around the teaching, research and performance of Manipuri dance and Bharatanatyam, with 15 years of dedicated experience in research, teaching and academic service. Her Teaching-Learning Effectiveness integrates traditional knowledge, practical training, creative, research, and innovative pedagogy to nurture students’ artistic and academic abilities. Her Outreach Activities include international performances, academic presentations, and cultural engagements in Korea, Kazakhstan, Tunisia, and Myanmar, promoting Manipuri culture globally.
In Research and Innovation, she holds a Ph.D. in Dance, has published books and UGC research publications, and completed a Major Research Project under UGC STRIDE–Component-1, New Delhi. She has served as a resource persons, paper presenters and Co-ordinators in national and international programmes. Her achievements include the Manipur State Kala Akademi Young Talent Award and Top Grade recognition in Manipuri Dance by Prasar Bharati. Her contributions summarily represent excellence in research, teaching, outreach, and preserves India’s rich cultural heritage.
Manipur University had also earlier felicitated Dr Lilabati Devi during its 46th Foundation-cum-Commendation Day for receiving the Manipur State Kala Akademi Young Talent Award and for her recognition as a Top-Grade Artist in Manipuri Classical Dance by Prasar Bharati.
Her latest national recognition marks another important milestone for the Department of Dance and Music and brings wider recognition to Manipur University, Manipur’s performing arts traditions and the Northeast’s contribution to higher education in India.
The Manipur University community congratulates Dr Pukhrambam Lilabati Devi and wishes her continued success in teaching, research and the promotion and preservation of Manipur’s rich cultural heritage.
