State Award Literature
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, October 24 2014 :
Keisham Priyokumar has been chosen for the prestigious 7th Manipur State Award for Literature, the highest official recognition for Manipuri literature in the State, for the year 2014 .
The Manipur Government has decided to give the award to the 65-year-old writer for his book Nongkhong Tamna, a collection of short stories published in 2013, Dr L Mahabir Singh, Member Secretary, Manipur State Award for Literature said in a statement today.
Keisham Priyokumar was selected for the award by a board of eminent persons set up by the Manipur Government.
He was the unanimous choice of the three-member jury among three writers shortlisted by the 15-member panel experts.
The award has been sponsored by the State Government since 2008 with a view to honour writers in recognition of their contributions in the field of Manipuri literature.
At present, the award includes a plaque, a citation, a cash component of Rs 3 lakh and a shawl.
Keisham Priyokumar is a resident of Tera Khuraijam Leikai in Imphal West and is a retired engineer of IFCD.
He is also a recipient of Sahitya Akademi Award (1998) for his book Nongdi Tarakkhidare which is another collection of short stories published in 1995 .