Sahitya Akademi awards presented
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 12 2013:
The Sangai Express (manipuri edition) columnist Sagolsem Indrakumar Singh was among 23 literary figures, cultural exponents and artistes to have been conferred with the Sahitya Academy awards on the occasion of the 78th foundation anniversary celebration of Manipur Sahitya Parishad held today at JN Manipur Dance Academy.
The awards presented by the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and deputy CM Gaikhangam include conferment of Upadhi (title) to 16 individuals working in the field of traditional art, culture, sculpting etc; two awarded with gold medals; one cash awardee; and four for literature.
Noting Manipuri Sahitya Parishad as one of the oldest cultural organisations in the North East region, Chief Minister Ibobi opined that the Parishad conferring awards to noted cultural and literary figures of the State would not only sustain the cultural movement and traditional art form but also enrich the image of Manipur.
Maintaining that grant-in-aid to cultural organisations is currently Rs 1 lakh, he assured to look into proposals for hiking the financial assistance.
Speaking at the occasion, Deputy CM Gaikhangam opined that traditional art and culture of every ethnic communities need to be included as a subject at the university level of study.
The award recipients include (Upadhis) Khuraijam Nimaicharan, Oinam Nilakanta, Moirangthem Rajendra, B Kulachandra sharma, Khundrakpam Joykumar (posthumous), Yumlembam Ranjana, Soibam Thoiba, Thokchom Ibohal, Khoisnam Kriti, Khulem Leipaklotpi, Laipubam Bino, RK Achouba (Achoubisana), Heisnam Indu Devi, Lousigam Mangichand, Dr L Tondon, Haobijam Amutombi; (Gold medallists) Thokchom Ibemubi, Mairembam Ranjit; (Cash award/drama) Kshetrimayum Ibohal; (Literature) Maya Nepram; Sagolsem Indrakumar, Nina Devi, Yendrembam Randhir Kumar.