Writer, critic Prof N Tombi no more
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 13 2025: Eminent writer, cultural activist, scholar, critic and columnist Prof Nongmaithem Tombi popularly known as 'Chumna Yengba: Nongmai Pandit', passed away on Wednesday due to health complications.

He was 83 .

The writer published 19 books including edited works, such as "Manipuri Sahityada Anouba Mityeng Ama" (1985), "Manipuri Sahityada Wareng Khara" (1994), "Meitram Biragi Punshi Wari" (2000), "Shaktam Macha Machasing" (2001), "Manipuri Theatre: Khomjinba Wareng Khara" (2008), "Wahou-dok Amadi Atei Wareng Khara" (2017) and "Manipuri Theatregi Warol" among others.

Writer, critic Prof Nongmaithem Tombi no more

Some of the awards received by Prof.Tombi included Meisnam Tombi Critic Award (2009), Manipur State Kala Akademi Award for Literary Criticism, Manipur State Kala Akademi Fellowship (2019), Lifetime Achievement Award conferred by Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Assam, Lifetime Achievement Award in Literature (2022) by Manipuri Literary Society, etc.

Staff members of the Poknapham and its sister publication The People's Chronicle convened a condolence meeting over the sudden demise of its columnist and advisor Prof Nongmaithem Tombi by observing two minutes' silence as a mark of respect of the departed soul.

Several organisations and literary bodies also condoled the untimely demise of Prof Tombi.

In separate releases, Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Imphal; Critics Forum Manipur; Writers Club Manipur, Nambol; Manipur State Kala Akademi; Writers' Forum Manipur; Patriotic Writers' Forum, Manipur; Manipuri Department Manipur University; Sahitya Seva Samiti Kakching; Macha Chanu Kakching and Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Tripura condoled the untimely demise of Prof Nongmaithem Tombi (Nongmai Pandit).

While sharing the pain of the bereaved family, the organisations recalled the works of 'Nongmai Pandit' for the up-lift of Manipuri literature and society.

Some of the awards received by Prof.Tombi included Meisnam Tombi Critic Award (2009), Manipur State Kala Akademi Award for Literary Criticism, Manipur State Kala Akademi Fellowship (2019), Lifetime Achievement Award conferred by Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Assam, Lifetime Achievement Award in Literature (2022) by Manipuri Literary Society, etc .