Governor recalls contribution of MK Binodini
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, February 21 2018: Governor Dr Najma Heptulla who is also the Chief Rector of Manipur University today opened the MK Binodini Devi Anniversary Memorial 2018 at the Centenary Hall, MU.

The anniversary memorial comprises, 'From Page to Screen' -a retrospective of the films of Aribam Syam Sharma including the Digital Restoration Premiere of Imagi Ningthem - My son, My precious (Grand Prix winner, 1981) .

Gracing the occasion as chief guest, Governor Najma Heptulla said that due to the outstanding works of late MK Binodini Devi, she has become an admirer of the great lady although she missed the opportunity of meeting her.

She said that despite being born in an influential family, MK Binodini Devi, popularly known as Imasi, could think and worry about the people of the State which is full of literature, music on culture.

Binodini was the true representative of the aspiration and life of the Manipuri people, she added.

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The Governor also said that the contribution made by Binodini in the field of Manipuri film undoubtedly qualifies for well deserved appreciation.

The Government of India recognizing her remarkable achievement and contribution in the field of music, drama, dance, film and literature, awarded the Padma Shree in 1976 .

It is praiseworthy and highly creditable that some of the stories authored by her are included in the curriculum of schools and colleges in the State today, the Governor added.

Applauding the untiring endeavour of the the Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi Foundation for propagating and perpetuating the thoughts as well as works of MK Binodini, she said that the screenplay of the iconic film "Imagi Ningthem - My son, My precious", amply reflects the innate talent of MK Binodini, a prolific writer.

Reflecting on the writings of MK Binodini, the Governor said that Binodini who came from the innermost circle of royalty was one of the few writers in the world, who made a mark in literature.

Her work as a' writer bore the unmistakable mark of leftist leanings and she was essentially a writer of the people, a princess brought up in transitional court life, who became a voice for the common man, she said.

The Governor asserted that MK Binodini Devi considered as a key renaissance figure of modern contemporary Manipuri culture, bridged the two worlds of ancient royalty and modern life.

Born as a princess, she transcended the trappings of royalty and lived the full life of an enlightened commoner.

Her literary works relate to the lives of common people and of the ordinary Manipuri people along with the grace and elegance in her prose.

Her delineation of strong, unconventional female characters in her writings continues to inspire young women authors as a role model, Najma recalled.

MK Binodini made her name as a novelist and a writer of short stories, essays, plays and screenplays of award winning films, lyrics, poems and ballet scripts.

She also recorded her presence in diverse fields such as sculpture, environmentalism, women's issues, social activism and electoral politics.

Her works won accolades in the National as well as International arena, the Governor maintained.

She made global impact with films (9 feature films and 4 documentaries) and her collaboration with Aribam Syam Sharma resulted in landmark films like Imagi Ningthem, the documentary film, Sangai - Dancing Deer of Manipur (British Film Institute Outstanding Film of the year Award, 1989) and feature film Ishanou (Un Certain Regard Selection, Cannes Film Festival, 1991), the Governor said.

On the occasion, Governor Najma Heptulla launched a book entitled "The Himalayan Arc - Journeys East of Southeast" edited by Namita Gokhale.

A documentary film "Binodini: A Writer's Life" directed by Aribam Syam Sharma was also screened followed by digital premiere of "Imagi Ningthem - My Son, My Precious" .