Special tribute to Bachaspatimayum Jayantakumar Sharma

Hueiyen Lanpao English Edition *

Special tribute to Bachaspatimayum Jayantakumar Sharma :: Pix - Hueiyen Lanpao

Story of life on this page

Inking story of life on this page has come to an end, what more is there to add!
The game of hide and seek ends here, there is nothing more left.

With the heart's desire I came, bringing grains of life;
For a while, I wanted to halt with renewed courage.
Song of Life comes to an end, now 'tis time to return, today.

Swinging rope of sadness and joy has slowed down its pace;
The once kind hearted host wants me to leave.
I know, I won't stay long,
I pretend I do not know –
There is no reason and it's futile to stay back.
Impossible, it's impossible.

(Imphal, 1970) (B Jayantakumar Sharma's poem
"Punshi wari chenashida" translated by Khorjei Laang)

Soul Enticed

Soul enticed by elements from yonder;
The unknown land shielded by clouds.

River is the surface and surface is the mystery;
I envy the yonder for I have lost the battle.
Who's calling me, 'tis an enticing voice!
I long to go to the yonder land of the unkown.

The end of Spring and the birth of Autumn,
The distant song tells me to leave,
The boatman waits, standing by my side,
Then I will come to the land I desire.

(Imphal, 1970) (B Jayantakumar Sharma's poem
"Sumhatleene Thawaisibu" translated by Khorjei Laang)

Today, Hueiyen Lanpao English Edition dedicates this page in honour of the doyen of Manipuri music, drama and literature B Jayantakumar Sharma who passed away on April 9. Our humble tribute is aimed at acknowledging the immense contribution the stalwart made towards developing lyrical poems, textualizing folk tales, penning immortal lyrics and his continuous effort towards the progress of Art and Literature in Manipur.

B Jayantakumar Sharma, over the years, wrote 1314 lyrics, many of which were popularized through Manipuri mainstream cinema and radio. After receiving his graduate certificate from Gauhati University in 1958, he began teaching at the The Churachand Higher Secondary School, Imphal. In 1961, he joined the All India Radio (AIR) Gauhati as a staff artiste. He served at the AIR, Imphal from 1972 and became the Assistant Director of AIR, Kohima in 1989. During his stint with the AIR, B Jayantakumar Sharma produced and broadcast around 26 plays, musical features, features and five radio plays.

However, what sets him apart from his contemporaries is his penchant and mastery over lyrics which had been immortalized into sound by the immortal voices of Late Nongmaithem Chittaranjan Singh, also popularly known as Nongmaithem Pahari; Late Tombisana; L Birendrakumar; Ph Iboyaima, Asem Bimola, L Mema, N Shushila, N Sanatombi; A Kamala, S Tejendra and others. One of the songs penned by him, "Sana Leipak Manipur" eventually became the State Song and there were many more songs which were instrumental in wakening socio-political consciousness in Manipur. Some of the plays scripted by him were also directed by the renowned Manipuri theatre maestro Ratan Thiyam.

Jayantakumar Sharma had also written and edited 15 books of poems and folk tales. He is also known for his adept and extremely adroit translation of the works of Great Russian writers Leo Tolstoy and Anton P Chekov; the Irish author, playwright and poet Oscar Wilde and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

Jayantakumar Sharma has not only been conferred many awards but also had received accolades and critical appraisal from both experts and laymen. However, awards that have eluded this titan of literary and cultural movement are top national awards like Padma Vibhushan for 'exceptional and distinguished service; Padma Bhushan for 'distinguished service of a high order' and Padma Shri for 'distinguished service.'

When one closely look at the list of recipients in the state of at least the last award mentioned above, we know for sure this illustrious son of Manipur could have easily fit the bill. Alas, no one from those in responsible positions ever nominated him over the years. Beyond the question of official patronage, the palpable absence of sensibilities towards according official or national recognition to the icon of Manipuri modern lyrics has been distinctly noted by at least the Hueiyen Lapao Group of Publications.

For us, it is enough to know that Jayantakumar Sharma has made an inerasable mark on the contemporary movement for both textual and performing Arts. He has won the hearts and minds of generations. What needs to be noted even more seriously is the fact that this doyen of performing arts and literature was a truly humble soul that could capture the hearts of many, irrespective of age and generation. His immense contribution and legacy will be immortalized as thousands continue to love and revere him.

The wizard of rhythm: A tribute
Thoudam Imomacha Singh

"We look before and after,
And pine for what is not:
Our sincerest laughter
With some pain in fraught;
Out sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought"
PB Shelley (1792-1822)

The sudden demise of Bachaspatimayum Jayantakumar Sharma, (B. Jayantakumar Sharma) in the afternoon hours of April, 9, 2015 was an irreparable loss to the people of Manipur in general and more particularly to the lovers of art, literature and music. While alive, he had recently shared the honour of lighting the inaugural lamp on the auspicious occasion of a musical episode vivaciously presented by All India Radio Imphal, (AIR Imphal) on the 28th of March, 2015 in the afternoon hours, at the auditorium of Manipur Film Development Society (MFDS). The last togetherness with the humble giant of music, is indeed a nostalgic memory.

The amalgam of Jayantakumar's lyrics and the lilting voice of the iconic Nongmaithem Pahari was a true soul-mate. B. Jayantakumar Sharma's lyrics was the soul of numerous songs of Nongmaithem Pahari. Pahari's voice was, indeed, the body. The profoundity of his patriotic song "Sana Leipak Manipur" sung in chorus, had already epitomized the professional standing of B. Jayantakumar Sharma among his peers. His other lyrics based on the cultural ethos of Manipur like "Panthou Mangol Khenjonglang" and "Kukru Ku Khongli Lamkhununa" had proved the propensity of mannerism in his writings.

B. Jayantakumar Sharma began his career in the profession of teaching even before his graduation in the year, 1958 from the then D.M. College under the University of Gauhati. Mention may be made here that All India Radio Guwahati had started to broadcast programmes in Manipuri from May 21, 1957. Being himself a man with artistic leanings, B. Jayantkumar Sharma had made up his mind to join AIR Guwahati as a staff-artiste to conduct the then Manipuri programme. Thus, a future legend of Manipuri art and literature, B. Jayantakumar Sharma joined the mainstream of Indian broadcasting in its initial days.

So far as the author remembers about B. Jayantakumar Sharma's contribution to AIR Imphal in different aspects of broadcasting, it was indeed huge as well as commendable. He was, indeed, a protagonist in the early movement of popularizing Manipuri modern songs with his timely presentation of lucidly written lyrics. When broadcasting was yet to flourish in Manipur in the 1970s, AIR Imphal luckily, had a team of seasoned staff artistes, responsible for different sections of programmes. B. Jayantakumar Sharma was also one of them. The team improvised the most popular humorous programmes of "Eepom" in 1971.

The performers of the programme comprised the most popular artistes of humour, Mayang Imphal Tombi, Takhellambam Chaoba and Oinam Babu. The programme hugely enhanced the popularity of AIR Imphal as a public entertainer. B. Jayantakumar Sharma had played a significant role in that unique endeavour. He was also entrusted with the delicate responsibility to approve the lyrics of Manipuri modern songs submitted by the young enthusiasts of the time. Many of them had also followed his foot-steps in writing songs of lucid contents.

AIR Imphal still stands profoundly indebted to this man of a legend. After serving in various capacities under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting he retired as an officer of Indian Broadcasting Service (Programme). The author also remains bewildered to think about the pertinent tribute to be offered to the memory of the humble literati. May this soul remain in eternal peace. This is a tearful tribute.

You are never dead: A tribute to the immortal lyricist
Seram Neken

Words fail me to adorn such a great personality like b Jayantakumar. He returned back to his original home leaving behind valued imprints on aesthetic world. His contributions have been much greater than any honour we ever can give. He wrote: 'Punshi Esei Sakna Sakna, Eina Phamli Torbansida, Hee Lakpa Ngairi'. Now His boat arrived and took him to his the destination.
"Kari Mangkhibagino, Aduk Tengtha Nao-oiriba............ (Matam Esei by Roshibina)"

Why should we worry for Death? It is just the repayment of something which we had borrowed, as our being on this earth does not belong to us. Everyone will go to where one came from. Thus, gone the soul and being of the beloved Pabung B Jayantakumar Sharma. However, his absence from this earth does not mean he is dead. The noted litterateur and cultural icon imprinted his sojourn in the guise of unforgettable tunes and lyrics of songs the generations will find difficult o forget.

In my early childhood, I used to see this cool and artistic personality somewhere in the studios of All India Radio, Imphal where my late father often accompanied me for participation in Children's Programme on Sunday mornings. My visit to AIR Imphal was for playing 'Tabla' in the 'Angang-gi Thouram'.

My perception of AIR Imphal during those days was always associated with some icons of the yore. I cannot but forget the presence of Pabung Jayantakumar, Pabung Nongthon (my childhood Tabla teacher), Pabung Sagolsem Indrakumar, Emaibema Chongtham Kamala, Emaibema Jugeshori, Uncle Thokchom Gobind, Pabung Thoudam Imomacha and Uncle Eiso Sharma, who were my father's best colleagues of the time. In fact, my definition of Imphal Radio is always incomplete without any of the faces mentioned, among which some had already left for the abode where my father already proceeded.

I still could remember Pabung Jayanta often visiting my father on his bicycle. His calm composure during informal discussions with my father was testimony to the fact that he was imbibed with unusual resources, pragmatic ideals and poetic charisma. After the demise of my father, I had the opportunity to associate with this great lyricist at the Columnists' Forum of Hueiyen Lanpao Daily, for which he served as the president. While accomplishing organizational activities, he defied age and acted calmly. He had no foes, always smiled and was positive in thought. Friendship with him had no binds and bounds.

Noted theatre personality Ratan Thiyam once described B Jayantakumar Sharma as another Salil Chowdhry during a musical concert resurfacing the memorable numbers of the greatest lyricist at MFDC Hall sometime back. In fact, 'Matam Esei' would not earn the popularity it enjoys in Manipur today if Jayantakumar Sharma was not born in Manipur. In her speech on the occasion, veteran anchor and vocalist Chongtham Kamala described Eigya Jayantakumar as a fountainhead of poetic treasure and innovator of children's songs. Musicologists Laishram Birendrakumar and Aribam Shyam Sharma hailed Jayantakumar as the pioneer of Matam Esei 'Group Song'.

His eminence lies in composing lyrics of all sorts and of all themes, for varied audience. Eigya Jayanta composed hundreds of lyrics, majority of which became prominent and remains popular for all times to come. If any of the 'Matam Esei' strikes the listener, it is for sure that the lyric belongs to Jayantakumar Sharma. Patriotism, nature, romance, children's folk tales, integrity and what not, that he did not touch in his songs.

"Sana Leibak Manipur, Laija Nung gi Mani, Narakki Leirang, Piktakna Mangal Chaobini… (Roop Raag)";
"Hingminnasi Eikhoi, Taibang Malem Sida .............." ; "He Ema Manipur………… (Pahari)";
"Lamphel Nawa Kombirei............. (Nandeibam Susila)";
"Chatkhiganu Keidoubage ............ (Bidyapati Sharma)";
"Ningsili Meragi Thabaldo, Thabalna Chamthoklaba Ahingdo .............. (Pahari)";
"Ho Eril Turel............ (L Birendrakumar)";
"Munna Tao Langanuko, Nungaiba Warini, Eta Thaomeigi Warini (Chongtham Kamala)..............";
"Hada Samadon Ayangba............. (Mangka Mayanglambam) etc. etc.
will ever echo in our ears.

Truly, he has been the pioneer of 'Manipur Matam Esei'. All India Radio Imphal would not scale its present height, without the contributions of a few legendry personalities, among which Jayantakumar Sharma is one.

My last meeting with Pabung Jayanta was at the corridor of MSFDS Hall on March 28 last, when the special musical concert organised by AIR Imphal was going on. If I had the signal of his ending journey, I would have asked some more questions and solicited something more of his philosophy of life. When I last saw him, he was smiling as usual. Still I claim: He is never dead.