54th Foundation Day
The 54th Foundation Day of the Academy was held on 1st April, 2008, at the Academy Auditorium. His Excellency, The Governer of Manipur and Chairman, JNMDA, Dr. S.S. Sidhu graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The presentation of solo performances by the gold medalists and various cultural items of Manipuri Dance and Music were the main highlights of the celebration. All the students, invitees and staff of the Academy were present in the function which was widely covered by print and electronic media.

Programme in New Delhi
A group of 20 artistes led by Shri Th. Chaotombi Singh, presented a programme of Manipuri Dance and Music in New Delhi on April 6, 2008. The programme was sponsored by Assam Rifles on the occasion of its 125th Rising Day. The group presented Lai-Haraoba, Dhol Cholom, Kabui Dance, Pung Cholom and Vasanta Ras.

Programme at Raj Bhavan
The artists fo the Academy presented a cultural evening on April 25, 2008 at Raj Bhavan. Dr. S.S. Sidhu, Governor of Manipur and Chairman of the Academy was also attended. The group presented Lai-Haraoba, Kabui Dance, Pung Cholom and Vasanta Ras.

New Chairman, JNMDA
Shri Gurbachan Jagat is the new Governor of Manipur. He is the new Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Academy. He succeeds Dr. S.S. Sidhu who moved to Goa as Governor.

New Production of JNMDA
The production unit of the Academy, started in 1975 is the best known repertory of Manipuri Dance and Music. It has produced various dance-drama based on varied themes. It has featured in all important festivals in India and abroad for the past several years. The unit has produced 32 dance-dramas till date.

The Mahurat of "MAGHANAD TUBA" based on Maghanad Bodha Kavya of Micheal Modhusudan Dutta was performed on 25th September, 2008. The dance-drama would be directed and choreographed by Shri W. Lokendrajit Singh of the Production Unit.

Nritya Pratibha
A group of 20 artistes of the Academy participated in the Nritya pratibha held at Aurangabad (Maharashtra) and presented Pung Cholom on October 17 and Vasanta Ras on October 19, 2008. The festival was organized by Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi in collaboration with MAHAGAMI, Aurangabad. The programmes were appreciated by the audience.

North East Festival - OCTAVE 2008
A group of 23 artistes led by Shri L. Upendra Sharma participated in the North East Festival - Octave 2008 in Goa and Mumbai. The group presented "NATA-SANKIRTANA" and "VASANTA RAS" on November 13, 2008 at the lawn of Rabindra Bhavan, Madgaon. the same group also participated in teh Octave Festival 2008 in Mumbai at Ravindra Natya Mandir Auditorium. They presented the same items on November 21, 2008.

The artistes also presented two additional programmes in Pune on November 15 and Aurangabad on November 16, 2008. The above programmes were sponsored by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi.

Konark Festival
A group of 1 artistes led by Shri W. Lokendrajit Singh presented the dance-drama "SHARADHANJALI" , a dance piece based on Mahatma Gandhi on December 4, 2008 in the Konark Dance Festival organized by the Orissa Governmnent and Odissi Research Centre, Bhubaneshwar.

Octave 2008 at Patna
The above group presented the renowned Dance Drama of the Academy "KEIBUL LAJAO" in the Octave 2008 at Patna on December, 2008. The performance was widely acclaimed.

Sponored Programmes
During the period, the artistes and students of the Academy presented the following sponsored programmes in honour of dignitaries visiting the state.
(i) September 4, 2008 at 1st Manipur Rifles Hall.
(ii) September 5, 2008 at 1st Manipur Rifles Hall.
(iii) September 27, 2008 at JNMDA Auditorium
(iv) November 27, 2008 at JNMDA Auditorium
(iii) December 6, 2008 at JNMDA Auditorium

"NONGDOL-LEIMA" (Dance-Drama)
The dance-drama was presented by the artistes of the Production Unit of the Academy on March 3, 2009 at Chorus Repertory Theatre as a part ot the Festival of Dance Drama being organised by Guru Turunkumar Foundation. Three other Dance-Dramas by different groups was also presented in the festival. It may be mentioned that the dance-drama was directed by late Guru Th. Tarunkumar SIngh in the year 1977-78.