Muslim Writers' Body organised 15th Annual Meet

Imphal; February 9, 2015:

Abdus Salam from Khetrigao singing khunung-esei at 15th Annual Meet at D.M. College

Writers’ Union, Manipur, the one and only literary body of the Muslims in Manipur organized its 15th Annual Meet at Dave Literature Centre in D.M. College Campus on February 8.

The function was graced by Maulana Mubarak Ali and Azrun Kabir as Chief Guest and President respectively. It was attended by members of the union, Muslim writers and representatives of different civil society organizations of the State.

Reconstitution of the executive body of the union, outlining the programmes to be taken up in this year, reading of poetry, short story, presentation of folk-song, ghazal and qawali were the main highlights of the meet.

In his keynote address, M.M. Ahmed stated, “Writers’ Union, Manipur, formed to promote literary activities among the Muslims and to publish literary works, came into being on August 13, 2000 after the coming together of two Muslim literary bodies, namely Muslim Writers’ Forum and Liberty Publishing Association. Renowned Muslim writers of the State Kayamuddin Phukrimayum and Md. Abdur Rahman were among the founding members of the union. They had encouraged and guided the young Muslim writers of the State.

Sadly, Kayamuddin passed away in 2003 in an unfortunate incident, while Md. Abdur Rahman, due to health condition, is not active. However, some of the dedicated followers of the two had been running the union with great enthusiasm. The union had over the years published books of different genres. It has published more than 30 books in Manipuri. The union also publish a journal, titled Pambei.”

Ahmed also highlighted the activities taken up last year. He said, “The union organised Kayamuddin Pukhrimayum Memorial Lecture, an award giving function, book-release programmes, among others. The union orgainzed the memorial lecture on September 29, 2013 at Lamyanba Sanglen, Palace Compound. Some of the well-known writers of the State - I.S. Kangjam, K. Madhumangol Singh, L. Jaichandra, B.M. Maisnamba – presented papers.

Continuing the tradition of recognizing and appreciating the extraordinary and talented Muslims in the field of literature and culture, the union along with Islamic Cultural and Research Association (ICRA) gave the ICRA Lifetime Achievement Award to writer Md. Abdur Rahman, a resident of Kheikhu, Imphal East at a function organized at Manipur Press Club on June 28, 2014. The award carries a cash of Rs. 10,000 and a citation.”

Mufidun Nisha reciting poem at 15th Annual Meet at D.M. College

Chief Guest of the function, Maulana Mubarak Ali said that the union has been promoting the literary activities among the Muslims in the State for quite a long time. It is an important organization which should be given support by every one. Those who have the zeal to write or those who love literature should enrol their names to the union. We all should contribute our mite in enriching Manipuri literature.

Speaking at the gathering, Advocate M.A. Qayum reiterated the need of enhancing the fund of the union to take up different literary activities at regular intervals. He also assured to donate Rs. 30,000 to the union.

The meet reconstituted the union by inducting few office-bearers. The newly constituted executive body consist of Azrun Kabir (President), Principal of Manipur College and Nodal Officer of Dhanamanjuri Community College Dr. Raheijuddin Sheikh (Vice-President), Syed Muhamudin Sheikh (Secretary), and Md. Salim, Md. Rashid Ali, Salim Javed, Assistant Professor of D.M. College of Arts Dr. Syed Ahmed, Advocate M.M. Ahmed, Mufidun Nisha and Social Activist Anwari Noorjahan as members.

Mufidun Nesha, Dr. Raheijuddin Sheikh, Salim Javed, Anwari Noorjahan, Md. Rashid Ali, Azrun Kabir, M.A. Hashim and Sitara Begum recited poems, while Syed Muhammad Sheikh narrated a short story. Maulana Mubarak Ali recited few Urdu sairs. Abdus Salam entertained the gathering with Manipuri folk-song (khunung esei). Md. Rahim of MACAM presented ghazal and qawali.