107th birth anniversary of GC Tongbra held
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 06 2023:
The 107th birth anniversary of renowned author GC Tongbra (Gitchandra Tongbra) was observed jointly by The Society Theatre, Manipur and Rupmahal Theatre, at the latter's premises, BT Road, here, on Monday.
The observance was attended by former union minister and Padmashree awardee Thounaojam Chaoba as chief guest, Rupmahal Theatre Board of Director member Loitongbam Brajamohon as president and ex-minister L Jayantakumar as special guest.
IMC ex-corporator Potsangbam Premila also attended the observance.
In his speech, Th Chaoba said that Meeteilol serves as the common language of all the communities residing in the state.
With the advent of the New Education Policy (NEP), time has come for Manipur to work to protect its own language and culture just as the other states are doing.
He then asserted that time has come for translating all good books both from the state and the world over, in our own language.
Speaking about GC Tongbra, ex-commissioner K Radhakumar recounted the plays written by GC Tongbra after the end of WWII in 1942, and said that the most notable works written in this period included Matric Pass' and 'Mani Mamou'.
GC Tongbra highlighted the issues plaguing Manipuri society through his comical writings, Radhakumar said.
He then stressed the need for promoting the author's modernistic style of literature amongst the youth of the state.
As part of the observance, floral tributes were offered to the portrait of GC Tongbra, followed by presentation of a play written by him, namely 'Ngabongkhao' .