Imphal, February 10 2010: The main objective of promoting and encouraging women writers, Asmita, a poetry recitation session only for women writers was organised jointly by the Sahitya Akademi and the Cultural Forum, Manipur at State Guest House here today.

Sahitya Akademi awardee Arambam Ongbi Memchoubi Devi, S Bhanumati Devi, Yengkhom Indira Devi, Khwairakpam Anandini Devi, H Benubala Devi, Haobam Nalini Devi, Koijam Shantibala Devi, Lairellakpam Ibemhal Devi, Salam Shantibala Devi, Satyabati Ningombam and Aribam Rimita Devi were among the women writers who participated in the literary session also moderated by Memchoubi .

The session commenced with the welcome address delivered by convenor of Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi Manipur Language N Khagendra Singh while president of the Cultural Forum, Manipur N Nabachandra Singh delivered the presidential address.

On the other hand, the 2nd foundation day of Patriotic Writers Forum was observed at MDU Hall here today.

Retired Director of JN Manipur Dance Academy Longjam Joychandra; senior vice president of All Manipur Elementary School Teachers' Association, Zone-II Kongbantabam Oken Meitei and president of Patriotic Writers' Forum Thokchom Chandra attended the function as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.

Speaking at the occasion, Joychandra said that Manipuri literature has a definite character of its own.

It is because of this Manipuri literature has found a niche for itself in the Indian literary world.

''We should be thankful to the pioneers who have moulded the character of Manipuri literature and put in more efforts for further development of Manipuri literature'', he exhorted.

As part of the observance, two books namely Kishi, a collection of short stories written by Abujam Ojitkumar Luwangcha and Ningshinglee Esheido, a compilation of poems written by Sagolsem Indrakumar were also released.

The two books are respectively the 6th and the 7th publication of the Forum.

The annual publication of the Forum, Ngaklou was also released by its editor Lenin Khumancha at the occasion.

In continuation of the observance, writer Doneshwar Konsam was honoured from the side the Forum in recognition of his highest participation in the bi-monthly book discussion programmes organised by the Forum.

Ten writers, both male and female, also recited one poem each to mark the occasion.

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