Ibobi assures aid to Manipuri literature
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 10 2015 : Chief Minister O Ibobi has categorically stated that literature is not only a reflection of the society but is also a treasure trove for future generations.

He was speaking at the 80th foundation day of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad.

The plan to set up a cultural university would be translated into action as soon as possible and the university would have faculties for all subjects related to culture, Ibobi stated.

Manipuri literature can be exposed to a much bigger spectrum of readers if at least some major literary works are translated into different languages.

For this, the annual grant must be increased and the State Government would consider about giving annual recurring grant of Rs five lakh to Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Ibobi informed the gathering.

He expressed keen desire for writers and scholars to analyse and study the social ills, women's roles, women issues etc with the ultimate objective of bringing peace and progress in Manipur.

The Chief Minister then assured all possible assistance so that the new office of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad being constructed at Sangaipat is completed within this financial year.

Ibobi also donated Rs one lakh to Manipuri Sahitya Parishad from his discretionary fund.

Altogether 19 persons were honoured with different titles and awards.

They are Palungbam Ranibala (Khumanthem Kaomacha Sana Medal), Arambam Biren (Sahitya Bushan), Abdul Shahid Chowdhury (Kabya Bushan), Thokchom Amusana (Sahitya Sevak), Takhelchangbam Nganba (Sangeet Ratna), Arambam Jamuna (Sangeet Ratna), Laishram Mani (Sangeet Bushan), Laishram Heiton (Sangeet Bushan), Thiyam Suryamukhi (Navratna), Hanjabam Aruna (Natyabushan), Ngariyanbam Kerani (Natyabushan), Telem Upendra (Natyabushan), Pechimayum Mani (Natyabushan), M Laxmibabu (Natyabushan), Yumnam Birchandra (Badyaratna), Thokchom Mukta (Badyabushan), Sagolsem Sundaram (Kala Bushan), Ngangom Chandramani (Kala Bushan), Yambem Makkar (Kala Bushan) and Lourembam Bino (Shilpa Bushan) .

Soubam Gouradhan and Oinam Biramangol were also honoured with Kshetri Nawang Cash Award and Haobam Ibungoyaima Ningshing Sengi Mana.

N Kholo was honoured with Shrimad Paramhans Swami Yogendrananda Giri Ningshing Mana while A Chitreshwar was conferred the BN Nobel Award.

On their part, Manipuri Sahitya Parishad functionaries urged the State Government to put in necessary efforts so that Manipuri is recognised as a classical language and Lai Haraoba is included in the UNESCO's world heritage list.

PDA Chairman Tongbram Mangibabu and Manipuri Sahitya Parishad president Prof Th Tombi were also seated on the dais.

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