Sanayaima underscores library, inspiring books
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, April 09 2022: Former UNLF Chairman RK Sanayaima alias Meghen has said that books which inculcate sense of love for the mother-land should be kept at libraries across the State to guide the younger generations.

RK Meghen made the remark while attending an inauguration programme of a public library called 'Loyalam Public Library' at the residence of prominent author Salam Sarat at Wangjing Hodamba Mayai Leikai in Thoubal district today.

Speaking at the event, RK Meghen added that libraries have a major role to play in the society specially in rural areas where books on a wide array of subjects are made available to the youths.

Books on subjects other than those included in the academic curriculum are also made available to them, he added.

Sanayaima underscores library, inspiring books

He added that Manipuri people took refuge in parts of Assam, Tripura and Bangladesh while some were taken as prisoner to Myanmar during the Seven Years Devastation.

Their descendents are now settled permanently at these places but such historic events are not taught properly in schools and colleges, he added.

Such historic events need to be taught properly to the younger generations so as to inculcate the idea of oneness amongst the Manipuri community spread in different parts of Assam, Tripura, Bangladesh and Myanmar, RK Meghen added.

He further added that though there are a number of literary works including poetry and novels, translation works are lacking in the State.

"Works in our language need to be translated into different languages to cater to larger audience and works in different languages should also be translated into Manipuri language", he said.

Translation of literary works is not an easy task as the literary values in the original works need to be present in the translated version too, he added.

RK Meghen also appealed everyone to start working towards maintaining the integrity of Manipur.

"To achieve that, we need to ensure that the Manipuri language is kept alive by teaching properly to the younger generations", Sanayaima asserted.

He also advocated the need to take advantage of the digital world and make Manipur literary works available in e-books.

Speaking at the event, Sarat Salam, founder of Loyalam Public Library said he lost his parents very early and faced lots of problems including lack of books.

He said that the public library was founded in order to ensure that the problems he faced are not faced by the local youths.

He also expressed gratitude to all the people who donated books to the library.

The inaugural programme was also attended by Thounaojam Khomdon, Librarian, Manipur University of Culture; Yengkhom Indira, former vice-president of Manipur Sahitya Parishad, Thoubal district branch; Kshetri Bira, president, Sahitya Seva Samiti, Kakching; Thiyam (Ongbi) Silleima Leima, president Kangleipak Loina-Sillon Apunba Marup and Robin Blackie, National Board Member, MSME as presidium members.