Language Day commemorated
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 20 2011:
Commemorating inclusion of Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution, the 20th Manipuri Language was observed in different parts of the State today.
Patriotic Writers' Forum, Manipur observed the day along with presentation of literary awards to various writers during a function held at Manipur Press Club here with Dr Jodhachandra Sanasam as chief guest and Forum president Sagolsem Indrakumar as functional president.
In his address as chief guest, Dr Jodhachandra observed that the effort and sacrifice made by all, specially AMSU, in ensuring inclusion of Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution should not be neglected.
Stressing on the need for promotion of Manipuri language and scripts, he suggested that scholars and academicians should come together and resolve the controversy surrounding over the original Manipuri scripts.
The chief guest also released Ngaklou, a journal of Patriotic Writers' Forum edited by Kesho Singh Irengbam and Saktam Khara, Wakhallon Khara, a book written by OC Meira and published by Thokchom Chandra, at the occasion.
Among the resource persons who attended the function, Associate Professor in Manipuri Department, MU Dr Rajen Toijamba spoke on the present status of Manipuri language and observed that besides writers, legislators too have a great role to play in ensuring development of Manipuri language.
He pointed out that Manipuri language used to remain pure during the reign of earlier kings in Manipur.
However, after king Garibniwaz embraced Ramandi religion, many foreign words have introduced and mixed up in Manipuri language.
In connection with the observance, Pacha Meitei Literary Award, Dr Arambam Saroj Nalini Parratt Literary Award and R Khuthing Tangkhul Literary Award for the year 2011 have been respectively presented to Aheibam Manilal for his short stories collection, Meegi Sambal; Laishram Imoba Singh for his short stories collection, Ayukta Manglaknaba and Laishangbam Dhananjoy for his short stories collection Yotsubi.
Each of the awards consist of a shawl, a citation and a cash prize of Rs 2000 .
The 20th Manipuri Language Day was also observed under the aegis of All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) at the library hall of its head office today.
Prof Nahakpam Aruna of Department of Manipuri, MU, vice president of AMSU Abdul Haque Shah and vice president of UCM Nabachandra attended the observance as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Vice president of AMKIL L Nganbi, general secretary of Nupi Samaj Th Ramani, president of All Manipur Private Schools' Welfare Association Doren Khabanganba, advisor of All Manipur Students Guardians' Organisation N Tomba and founder member and former president of AMSU Saratchandra were also present at the occasion as special invitees.
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