Imphal, Oct. 22 -- President Droupadi Murmu on October 21 conferred the Lalit Kala Akademi National Award on Manipuri sculptor Nimai Singh Sarungbam for his teak wood sculpture Mudra-I.

Sarungbam, an Imphal-based artist and former principal of Imphal Art College, was among 20 artists who received the award at a joint ceremony for the 65th National Exhibition of Art and the 3rd Print Biennale India 2026 at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre.

The selection followed a nationwide process that received 6,175 entries from 2,495 artists across 27 states and Union Territories. A jury shortlisted 270 artworks for the exhibition, which is scheduled to remain open to the public until October 31.

Sarungbam hails from Yumnam Leikai in Imphal. He ...