Mamang Leikai Thambal Satle (Lotus Blooms in the Front Neighbourhood) :: A Book Review

Nongmaithem Rakesh Singh *

The twentieth century poets are adventurous. They are highly individualistic, their themes varies from simple mundane things like cabbages to more sophisticated themes like the kings, philosophical thought, etc. They don't follow any particular mantra as well as diction. These are some of the features of modern poetry.

Manipuri literatures are immune to the modern poems. Mamang Leikai Thambal Satle is one such collection of modern poem. It is written by L. Samarendra. He is a Sahitya Akademi awardee. Besides this anthology he has contributed immensely to Manipuri literature.

It is collection of highly individualistic poems which reflect the various moods of the poets. Almost all the poems does not have any metre as well as rhymes scheme. However, this lack of poetic beauty is made up by the writing style of Samarendra. He chooses many interesting subjects to write his poetry.

Mamang Leikai Thambal Satle is a name of the first poem in the book from which the title of the book has been taken. In this poem he paints a picture of Manipur as an ideal state. It is a Utopian poem. It is one of the best poem in this book.

As we progress through the book we will realize the ability of L Samarendra to use the symbol to put across his ideas. He cleverly as well as beautifully employs the symbol to express his ideas. Konung Kang Tubada (The fall of konung Rath Yatra) and Kurak (The butterfly) are the two poems that stand out for the use of symbol. Not only is he adapt in the used of symbol he has the ability to writes satirical poetry.

Satirical poems like "PRAJATANTRA NUMIT (Republic Day), CHING KASI NGASIDI(Let us climb the hill today) reflect the social and political condition of Manipur during his time. There are other simple poems with simple themes. Prominent among them are REPORT, AIR HOSTESS, etc. Report is a simple poem that tells the name of the family members of the poet.

Well you will wonder at the variety of subject that the poet is able to deal with so comprehensively. Moreover, the poets is able to hold the readers spell bound due to his style of writings, his subject matters, the utilization of symbols, etc. Well, this anthology is tailor-made for the lover of modern poetry.