Literature's impacts on society analysed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 15 2014:
Literature is one of the tools that works to unite people across cultures.
If not at large, literature contributes some amount of effort in bringing together people of different languages, races, castes and religions, opined Professor Polem Nabachandra, Dean, School of Humanity, Manipur University, in his speech during a 'Study Circle' organised by the cultural Forum manipur at Dave Literature Centre yesterday.
Even though modern writers have been trying to project literature as an art form, experimenting with form and structures, all literary products intrinsically reflect socio- economic and existential realities of mankind irrespective of race, religion or culture.
Quality literary products have never failed to inspire mankind to strive for harmony within a society.
The first Academy Award winner of Manipur, Pacha Meetei's Hyad Begam and Haj, on the life of Manipuri Muslims, are such works which depict the culture and traditions of Muslim society in depth, apart from celebrating the socio-economic relationship shared between Manipuri Muslims and other communities of Manipur.
Some literary works (short stories) with the age-old bond shared between the hilly people and plain people as their central themes are Hijam Guna's Laman and Ipam Meihoure, Khetri bir's Phirep, Haobam Satyabati's Meitei nupa, Kshetrimayum subadani's Mahao Yaodraba Punsi, Keisham Priyokumar's Nongdi Tarakkhidre, Yengkhom Indira's Kanglaba Chenghi Mayal, Satyabati Ningombam's Kaikhraba Manglanda.
The study circle was presided by Lairenlakpam Iboton, president, Cultural Forum Manipur.
A collection of Manipuri Shumang Leela by Dr Rajen Toijam was also released as part of the programme.
The topic of discussion for this session was 'Cultural harmony - the need of the hour from literature perspective' .
Kshetri Rajen, general secretary, Cultural Forum, Manipur, said the study circle had also organised similar discussion sessions on various topics.