State literature award conferred
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 29 2015:
Directorate of Language Planning and Implementation has conferred the 6th Manipur State Award for Literature 2014 on Keisham Priyokumar for his collection of short stories, 'Nongkhong Tamna' at a solemn function held at the auditorium of MFDS today.
The award carries a cash component of Rs 3 lakh, a plaque, a citation and a shawl.
Education Minister M Okendro, Secretary (Education-S) H Deleep, Commissioner (Higher and Technical Education/SCERT) P Vaiphei and Commissioner (Adult Education) BB Sharma graced the award presentation ceremony as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.
M Okendro while speaking at the function admitted that the State still lacks in appreciating and encouraging writers although there are many creative and talented writers.
As such, the State Government hiked the cash component of the award from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh from 2013-14, he said.
However, this reward is still meagre when compared to the contributions made by writers, he observed.
The Minister said that the State Government is planning to introduce a lifetime achievement award for writers soon.
The award which has a cash component of Rs 5 lakh would be presented from the next year if it gets Cabinet approval, he said.
The Minister urged the writers to enrich Manipuri literature more.