Governor eyes classical status for Manipuri language
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 17 2014: Governor VK Duggal has assured all possible assistance from his side in the capacity of a Governor towards development of Manipuri language and raise it to the status of a classical language.

The Governor was speaking at the distribution function of the 6th Manipur State Award for Literature-2013 at JN Manipur Dance Academy today.

Along with the Governor, Education Minister M Okendro and Prof Elangbam Dinamani were also seated on the dais.

Lauding the achievements of Birendrajit Naorem who has been selected for the Manipur State Award for Literature 2013, VK Duggal also appreciated the State Government's initiative of acknowledging and honouring eminent writers by instituting the award since 2008 .

Governor VK Duggal at distribution function of 6th Manipur State Award for Literature-2013 Pix - Kiran Singh (DIPR)

Highlighting the importance of Manipuri literary works into different languages so as to elevate the position of Manipuri literature to a higher plane, the Governor asserted that the Department of Language, Planning and Implementation should take pro-active roles in translating Manipuri literary works into different languages.

The State Government's efforts to develop Manipuri language to the level comparable to different classical languages of India is no easy task.

For the same efforts to bear fruits, the State Government need to invest substantial amount and acknowledge the contributions of scholars working relentlessly on Manipuri literature.

He also appealed to the gathering to translate Birendrajit Naorem's poetry compendium Turel Nangdi into English and give him a copy.

Notably, it was this same compendium which fetched Birendrajit the prestigious award.

In his speech, M Okendro said that literature is a written picture of the society's traditions and wisdom.

Ancient literature of Manipur was very rich.

Yet, it is crucial to develop a language and its alphabets continuously for healthy growth of literature.

It is a remarkable milestone that many literary works written in Bengali are being re-written in Meitei Mayek.

At first, the literary award had cash component of just Rs one lakh but now it has been raised to Rs three lakh.

The cash component would be raised to Rs five lakh from next, declared the Education Minister.

Later, Governor VK Duggal presented the State's highest literary award to Birendrajit Naorem.

Birendrajit Naorem was born to Naorem Kesho and Sarangthem (N) Subadani of Singjamei Makha Naorem Leikai on February 1, 1962 .

He completed Post Graduate in Manipuri from Manipur University.

Since then, he has been working on Manipur literature and has many published works to his credit.

Some of his popular works are Phadok Amagi Seireng, Langthengnariba Lanmi, Turel Nangdi, Shibu Hounaribra etc.