Shaktam Macha Machasing, a collection of profiles in Manipuri by Dr N Tombi, published by PS and Tamra Publications in 2001, Price Rs 140/-, page 378. The Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Bishnupur Branch has recently declared to confer Tourangbam Chaoba Memorial Gold Medal to Dr N Tombi for contribution of this book. The book features 66 profiles were formerly published in the newspapers. The lives of the distinguished personalities in the field of art, culture and literature are vividly depicted. Most of them are State's famous persons in their own field and in their own right. Such kinds of books are indeed too rare in Manipuri literature.

Geetanjali: Rabindranath Tagore's Nobel Prize winning book Geetangali was translated into Manipuri by K Tombi and brought out in 1998. The Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Bishnupur Branch will confer the prestigious Sougaijam Ibochouba Memorial Gold Medal to K Tombi for his contribution of this book on 29"' December 2002. To translate such a great book by a great writer into Manipuri is indeed praiseworthy. We .should always encourage such translator.

Mei Mamgera Budhi Mamgera, a collection of poems by RK Bhubonsana, published by RK Khrideshwori Devi, Price Rs 40/-, page 81. The Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi has recently declared to confer the prestigious Akademi Award for Manipuri literature to RK Bhubonsana for his contribution of this hook. The book features fifty five poems. The poems depicting the dark side of the modern life dominates the book. The poet wails in frustration white seeing the present life and society of Manipur. The titled poem Mei Mamgera Budhi Mamgera which extends to one hundred and fifty nine lines reflects the corrupt rule of the Government. The broken images of buildings are reflected in Mit Panba. The symbolic significance of the poem Koubru is the degradation of our society. Jagabondhu focused on the theme of destruction.

Atoppa Dronacharya Ama: This book translated from Shanker Shesh's Hindi play Ek Our Dronacharva, by Meghachandra Heirangkhongjam was conferred the Sahitya Akademi Award for translation works. This is a modem play which reflects the miserable life of the hero who is living high and dry. Two forces i.e. truth and power always run conflict in his mind. One of the greatest human desire is to own power. There is a phantom character called Bimlandu who was an innocent man always speaking the truth was killed by some evil men. He is a symbolic character who always insists the hero to do injustice for his own safety and survival. To posses power by means of injustice is nothing but a tragedy.

Nungshibi Greece: This book of travelogue by Saratchand Thiyam was conferred the most beautiful book of the year 2002 by the State Central Library, Imphal. Saratchand's experience in Greece could be retrieve from the book. The major character in the travelogue is Rola Mosteraki who is a very kind and lovely woman. The author could never forget this lady especially for her kind co-operation and good hospitality. The author tries to meet Marina, the Greek poet hut could not get the chance. He could not forget Marina's poem entitled Life. While seeing the Halseyan birds Saratchand, the journalist poet could not remain silent-and wrote a poem entitled Pot-Thaba (Rest). Greece inspired Saratchand a lot.

Yumlingdabasinggi Yum: Saratchand was given the Jamini Sunder Guha Gold Medal, the highest literary award of the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad for his contribution of this poetry book to Manipuri literature. Saratchand could be regarded as a universal poet. He could not remain silent when a great disaster is happened anywhere in the world. Nature, too, inspires the poet so that he writes poetry having romantic themes. It would also be worthwhile to mention the elegiac quality of the poet. When the writers of his time die unexpectedly Saratchand could net-remain dumb.

Lan Amasung Mang: The Manipuri Sahitya Samiti, Thoubal conferred cash award to Keisam Priyokumar for his contribution to enrich Manipuri literature. The short stories of this book costing Rs 45/-, having 95 pages deal with the problems in life. The lifestyles and the manners of the haves and have nots are depicted in Hanubi Amagi Eeshei. Mang Machetshing reflects the inconsistency of life in the present Manipuri social context. The victimization of the non-Manipuri especially a petty businessman, is depicted. The Naga-Kuki clash is reflected in Ahing Ama. In the story Bomb, an unidentified young man gives the man called Mohon a bomb to hide it for some days. This compels Mohon to think a series of thoughts how and when he would use the bomb. Objective-co-relative situation highlight the miserable conditions of Mohan's family. One of the gripping story is Engineering Diary-3 which reflects the experience of the writer while he was serving as a section officer in the Public Work Department.