Terming her as 'Bangladesh-er Manipuri Nritya Matrika' (Mother of Manipuri dance in Bangladesh), organisers of Nrityadhara said that she had a far-reaching impact on our cultural practices. Her contribution as a dance teacher in Chhayanaut during the '80s had a major influence in the process of incorporating Manipuri dance -- a distinctive dance of the Manipuri community living in Sylhet -- into the mainstream national culture.

Shantibala Sinha dedicated the award to the memory of noted Tagore exponent Waheedul Haque. Expressing her feelings she said, "Waheedul Haque brought me to Dhaka from Sylhet to teach in Chhayanat. The honour I have received in Bangladesh can be credited to him."

In her speech, convenor of Nrityadhara, Minu Huq said, "Shantibala Sinha familiarised us with Manipuri as a classical dance form. She also taught us the grammar and control over movements. Almost all of us practicing Manipuri dance now, have been inspired and trained by her."

Eminent cultural personalities Nasiruddin Yousuff, Ramendu Majumdar, Ataur Rahman, Jamil Chowdhury and Mofidul Haque also spoke on the occasion.

The award-giving ceremony was followed by dance recitals staged by Nrityadhara.