Ahingi Liklana Mangbagum : Book Review
Book by Ngangbam Kumudini

Dr. Amarjit Moirangthem *

Book review: AHINGI LIKLANA MANGBAGUM by Ngangbam Kumudini
Publisher: Kangujam Thoiba, Kangujam Publications
Edition: 2015
Price : Rs. 130/-
Pages:166

Though I simply like reading books, writing has not been my cup of tea. Giving a book review is one of challenge I took myself only if I know the author knows me, as I could be excused for the lack of literature technical. Mrs. Ngangbam Kumudini, presently working as a staff Nurse at MCJ, Sajiwa . She was born in 1964, at Kanto Khullen Mamang Leikai, married to Kangujam Thoiba , Sawombung Thongkhong. The book is her second one, after EIdi Chatlaroi, a novella.

The book contents 17 narrative poems, highlighting her observations and experience on the various social issues of present Manipuri Society. Most of the poems represent a story underlining a message to the readers.

1. In the first poem “Samu Maning Pena Khong “ compares the different dispositions between the earlier and present generation of Manipur by stressing the characters of Nongbal and Thoibi of Moirang kangleirol. She tells that the Moirang Thoibi was very fortunate as Angom Nongbal was too placid in comparison to the present day Nongbals who would crossed their limits to attain and achieved their desire by any means. And the modern day Thoibi would go after money and pleasure rather than go for their love. With changing time, the people have also changed, the moral, ethics and tolerance have been so degraded that none listens and bothers to one another .Hence the title of the poem goes Samu Maning Pena Khong.

2. Lai khutsangbi : a comparision of the legend Lai Khutsangbi- the legendary long armed demoness with the present day politicians n bureaucrats who misuse their might and authority against the weaker section of poor and helpless people. At the end as she lost her arm at the hand of a villager, the poem warns that the poor ignorant people will eventually seek avenge for their misdeeds.

3. Eibu Sakhi Oigadra: a poem about indecisiveness and helplessness of a person who has witnessed an act of crime, but could not state in public for the fear of those criminals.

4. Ei Chatpra Tokhre : a conversation between two friends about the upcoming Mandop conducts and fashion in Manipur. During the Marriage or Death Ceremonies, the present generation of people show their vanity and egoism by offering profligate cash to the Palas and Bhaboks , less concerning about the quintessence of the function . Whereas the poorer section of people feel demeaned by such extravagant acts. It is a serious issue in our culture that we the public should addressed at the earliest, as depicted in the poem.

5. Waida Eema Nachadi: an expression of grief and mourning about the degrading circumstance and stare and sufferings in our state Manipur.

6. Ekaibidey : a tête-à-tête between a couple about Chaoba, who was once a popular tailor, now became outdated with the present fashion trends, took hardship to meet both ends of the day. The wife asked the husband to tell Chaoba to stitch smaller and more body reveling clothes, blouse as adored by the present generation of women who are fond of showing off business.

7. Tumin Leiyu Wayel Chathari : As statue of lady justice is blindfolded, the law has been blinded for the poorer section of people with no power, money and influential connections. A poor lad of a poor mother convicted life for a crime which he has no involvement and connection.

8. Kari Eeri Nahakna; a lady writing jotting all the events, facts, so as someday the future generation would realized and learned from the events.

9. Manglangi Meefam: In his dream, Chaoba was invited to a meeting of the high class rich people , VIPs, where ordinary people are not allow to attend, those people speaks their own unrelated to the theme of the gathering. At the end, a poor person got an opportunity to express the inequalities in the society and laments against taking shares of the poor by the rich.

10. Ahinggi liklana mangbagum : No one ever dreamed of being the second wife, the plight of being a second wife, being called a step-mother, an epithet abhorred by each section of human society, a symbol of malevolence.

11. Maithakpi Charang : the poet tries a hand to highlight the difference in the social outlook between man and woman. A disgraced man is accepted by society, forgets all the past deeds, but for a woman, she becomes a social stigma, an unresolvable stain story in the whole life.

12. Saijingi Sendrang Apikhak : Two sparrows sheltering in a house discusses the human behaviors and conduct.

13. Pebetna Makonda Paisinkhi: A poem touching on the sensitive and burning issue with regard to the frequent national highway blockades. Neither the hill men nor the valley people are befitted by the prevailing bandh and blockade culture, while the non-local businessmen make hay during such proceedings.

14. Ee Kari Mangnoney: story of a child abandoned by some unknown along a roadside. A lady plead to adopt the child, but the local public insist to find the parents and giving them punishments and to give the child back to them.

15. Leinung Hutna Paikhini is a story of a spoilt brat of a higly influential and powerful family, who is an extravagant and a drug abuser , has been accused for a homicidal crime. The public outburst and agitated against the act but the outcry was subdued with the monitory power, at last the accused fled away with no trouble , leaving the helpless victim`s family in anguish and agony.

16. Uchek Faobna Noknaboye: Chaobiton married early to Chaoba, She was a good and sensible wife. , They were living quite happily with their four sons. One day Chaoba brought a second wife inspite of Chaobiton`s earlier warning against, she left home in dejection. The shallows staying in their home too left their home, an indication of declining prosperity of the family.

17. Nongoubee Cheklagi Tengthakhol : story of how Nongoubee, a pheasant was curse to remain thirst and often call for rain during the dry season. She despised a gathering of the animals and birds to make waterbodies on the earth as she was taking care of her chicks. For her act she was cursed and forbidden to drink water from the rivers and lakes.

Most of the poems are satirical and highlight on the present social issues. Use of apt words, phrases and proverbs are seen in the poems which would definitely enhance Manipuri vocabulary of young readers.