Who is Arambam Somorendra?

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Martyrdom Anniversary of Arambam Samarendra at Khurai, Imphal on 10 June 2014

Arambam Somorendra (Tamohal to friends and admirers) was born on 12th July, 1935 at the Sagolband Meino Leirak, Imphal.

He was the eldest son of Arambam Darendrajit (Manipur Sahitya Parishad Kavi Ratna Upadhi awardee, 1948) and Arambam (O) Jamini. Arambam Lokendra and Arambam Shantibala are his younger brother and younger sister, respectively.

Somorendra grew up at a tumultuous time when Manipur was just freed from the colonial yoke of the British and the people of the erstwhile sovereign kingdom was learning to live under a short-lived interim Government within the framework of duly drafted constitution but was merged with the Indian Union in 1949 in controversial circumstances.

Born to a litterateur family and being a gifted writer who had the eyes for details, he used literature as well as moving arts as the medium of spreading political consciousness to the people.

He became a victim of violence when he succumbed to bullet injuries on June 10, 2000 during a seminar on "Women's Sumang Lila in Manipur" at the Khurai Nandeibam Leikai, Imphal.

Somorendra studied at the Johnostone School, Imphal and received matriculation from Churchand High School, Imphal. He developed his radical political career during his school days and fought against police excesses at a very young age.

He sharpened his vision for a just society during his college years (1955–1958) at the D.M. College, Imphal (affiliated to Guwahati University) started writing on social and political issues as well acting in dramas and writing song lyrics.

During this time the Amateur Artists Association popularly (1956) founded along with his friends, merged with the Aryan Theatre. He completed his masters in political science from the Pune University in 1963.

Arambam Somorendra's Shakkhangkhidraba Lanmee in June 10 2012 :: Pix - Banti Phurailatpam

Some of his important writings are:-

THE PUBLISHED DRAMAS

1) Judge Sahebki Imung (The Family of Judge Saheb), 1973, published by Arambam Jamini Devi, Sagolband Meino Leirak, Imphal.
2) Karbar (Business), 1976, published by Arambam Jamini Devi, Sagolband Meino Leirak, Imphal.
3) Dasa (Misfortune), 1978, published by Arambam Jamini Devi, Sagolband Meino Leirak, Imphal
4) Yenningthagi Ishei (The Song of Spring) 1981, published by the Manipur State Kala Akademi
5) Tirtha Jatra (Pilgrimage), 1975, published by the Cultural Forum, Manipur, Manipuri Lila Macha.
6) Nong Tarakle (The rain hath come), 1978, Naharol Vol. 20, the Gauhati Manipuri Students' Association.
7) Sakhangkhidraba Lanmee (The unknown soldier), 1989, the Manipuri Chanura Leishem Marup (Macha Leima) - Vol. 34,35/36,
8) Mirang (Cobweb), 1994, published by Arambam Sornorendra for Meino and Khomdon Publications, Sagolband Meino Leirak, Imphal
9) Leipaklei (The Flower of the Earth), 1993, published by Arambam Somorendra for Meino and Khomdon Publications, Sagolband Meino Leirak, Imphal
10) Sanatombi, 2001, published by Ararnbarn Somorndra Trust on 10 June
11) Tangang Mahajanna Tubada, 2002, published by Arambam Somorendra Trust on June 10,
12) Hayengdagee Canteen Bandh, 2002,published by Arambam Somorendra Trust on June 10,
13) Ipu Thangal General & Sak-Khangkhidraba lanmi, 2002, published by Meinam Lokhon Trust
14) Nungshithel & Whiskey Bottle Ama, 2003, published by Macha L.eima.

A scene from 'Matamgi Manipur'

FILMS

1) Matamgi Manipur, 1972 (The first Manipuri feature film based on Tirtha Jatra).
2) Judge Shahebki Imung, 1995, Tele play, DDK, Imphal
3) Eikhoigi Mei, 1995, Tele play, DDK, Imphal
4) Ishwarna Khangsanu, Tele play, DDK, Imphal

AWARDS

1) Manipur State Kala Akademi Award for Literature, 1981 on the play "Dasa" (Misfortune).
2) Certificate of Honour, 1991, Government of Manipur.
3) Dr. Ambedkar Fellow, 1991 on the play "Chingnungi Thawai" (Soul of Iterior Hills-A Play on Rani Gaidingliu) Awarded by the Dalit Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi.
4) Jamini Sunder Guha Gold Medal for Literature, 1995 on the Play "Leipaklei" Awarded by the Manipur Sahitya Parishad
5) Sahitya Akademi Award for Manipur Literature on the Play "Leipaklei" 1995.