Only collective effort of all communities can save Manipur: Th Arunkumar
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 12 2026: Manipur cannot be saved by one or two communities alone, saving Manipur is the responsibility of every community living in the State, said Wangkhei AC MLA, Thangjam Arunkumar.

He was speaking as chief guest at the inaugural function of a two-day International Seminar on "Houjikkee Manipuri Khorirol: Manung Amasung Mapan" (Contemporary Manipuri Literature Within & Beyond Borders) organised by LEIKOL (Leimarol Khorjeikol), Imphal at the Conference Hall of Institute of Co-operative Management (ICM), Lamphelpat.

Arunkumar said when it comes to saving the motherland, students need to unite with one spirit.

He urged writers to contribute by writing books that give messages to society, saying literature is one of the most powerful mediums of message.

Recalling that women were once barred from even reading, he said today women writers are making huge contributions, building on the path laid by pioneering women writers.

The contribution of LEIKOL, an organisation of women writers, is commendable, he added.

He said while many developed nations do not have their own script, Manipur despite being small has its own script.

Our forefathers preserved language, script, culture and religion in a complete manner and it is painful that we are losing them, he lamented.

There is nothing to be ashamed of speaking one's own language, having one's own script is a matter of pride, he said, calling for collective efforts to elevate Manipuri to classical language status.

Secretary, LEIKOL, G A Ghanapriya said the seminar is part of LEIKOL's silver jubilee and aims to study trends of Manipuri literature within Manipur and among Manipuris living outside, and to strengthen unity.

She said delegates have come from Meghalaya, Tripura, Barak Valley, Silchar, Hojai, with papers sent from Bangladesh by A K Sheram who could not attend, and from Canada.

The function was attended by LEIKOL president Ch Subadani Devi, Zonal Director, ICCR North Eastern Region Dr Munish Ningthoujam and Director, ICM Dr Kh Ramananda Bheigyachandra as president and guests of honour.

On the first day, Longjam Joychandra was the moderator.

Hamom Pramud presented a paper on Contemporary Manipuri Literature: Canada, Langoljam Biramangal on Tripura, Naorem Bidyasagar on Barak Valley and Lairenlakpam Shrutikumar on Brahmaputra Valley.

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