SHILLONG, Aug 16: As many as five individuals from various creative and academic fields were conferred with awards during the Riti Academy Award Ceremony at Raj Bhavan here on Friday.
The awards were handed over by Governor CH Vijayashankar in the presence of Principal Secretary of Arts and Culture department, Frederick Roy Kharkongor, Riti Academy president and noted artist Raphael Warji and Padma Shri Patricia Mukhim.
On the occasion, Crystal Gayle Kharnaïor Memorial Award was conferred upon Merlvin Jude Mukhim for his outstanding contributions and achievements in performing arts.
Similarly, Sumar Sing Sawian Memorial Award was given away to Prof. Marco Babit Mitri for his exceptional achievements and unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
On the other hand, S. Quotient Sumer Memorial Award was conferred upon Ibankyntiew Mawrie for her unwavering commitment to thought-provoking and ethical journalism, while Rana Kharkongor Memorial Award was given away to Alicia Pyngrope for her excellence in the field of music.
Prithpal Singh Sehdave ‘Ladi’ Memorial Award, meanwhile, was conferred upon Shanborlang Kharbudon for his command over both applied and conceptual visual vocabulary — Excellence in Visual Arts.
During the programme, Principal Secretary Frederick Kharkongor lauded Riti Academy for making the award ceremony an annual event and emphasised the richness of Meghalaya’s arts, culture and music. He encouraged artists to utilise the OTT platform to protect, promote and conserve their talents.
The Governor, on the other hand, lauded the effort of Riti Academy and urged the state government to encourage such endeavour to promote local youths.
Stating that aesthetic flourishes in Meghalaya in his appreciation of the state, he impressed upon the need for timely support of initiative on arts and culture, and urged the youths to be proactive and strive for excellence with commitment.
Merlvin Jude Mukhim is a versatile performing artist renowned for his multifaceted talents in music, theater, film and innovative performance arts. He has collaborated with prestigious international institutions and projects, playing pivotal roles in some award-winning productions. Furthermore, he has demonstrated his intellectual prowess as an articulate host for both glamorous and serious stage events and served as a Jury Member at the 48th International Film Festival of India in 2017.
On the other hand, Prof. Marco Babit Mitri is a distinguished academician, celebrated for his profound intellectual contributions to the fields of education, history, and the humanities. His groundbreaking archaeological research into ancient settlements and artifacts, particularly those surrounding the mythical Sohpetbneng site, stands as a testament to his scholarly rigor and dedication. Through meticulous excavation and analysis, Prof. Mitri has unearthed invaluable historical insights, shedding light on the rich cultural heritage of the Khasi people and their oral traditions.
Similarly, Ibankyntiew Mawrie is a distinguished media professional and dedicated journalist known for her impactful work in public discourse through her online video news portal. She has contributed to several reputable media institutions, hosting and moderating talk shows across wide range of platforms, from campus settings to high-profile events. In recognition of her unwavering commitment to thought-provoking and ethical journalism, she bagged the award for media as part of the endeavour to celebrate the silver jubilee of Media Plus.
Alicia Pyngrope is a distinguished graded artiste of All India Radio, renowned for her sensational vocals and outstanding performances as a playback singer in several reputed Khasi films. Her captivating voice has resonated across various parts of the country, earning her popularity with domestic audiences through numerous sentimental songs and albums in the local entertainment industry. Pyngrope has acted in some films and performed alongside esteemed male singers at prestigious state events.
On the other hand, Shanborlang Kharbudon is a skilled digital artist known for his command over both applied and conceptual visual vocabulary. He specialises in creating fantastical imagery that blends authenticity with realism, capturing the essence of dreams and imaginative realms. His innovative approach to image-making, which explores illusion and hallucination, has generated significant interest and contemporary appeal among youthful audiences. Shanborlang’s work has garnered international acclaim, including recognition as a Featured Artist in Heavy Music Art Magazine, England, for his outstanding album artwork, among other prestigious prizes.