Sitaljit Ningshing Mana conferred on two class XII Manipuri toppers
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 19 2026: The 18th death anniversary of writer RK Shitaljit and the Shitaljit Ningshing Mana 2026 award ceremony was held today at Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda Ji Mandir, Keishamthong Top Leirak.

The programme was jointly organised by Sahitya Thoupang Lup, Shitaljit Memorial Service, and Shitaljit Ningshing Seva Samiti.

Local elder Ningombam Shyamjai attended as chief guest while Rajkumar Ishwarchandra presided over the function.

This year's Shitaljit Ningshing Mana 2026 was conferred on Yohenba Longjam and Takhellambam Kalpana, the two students who secured the highest marks in Manipuri subject in the Class XII examinations conducted by COHSEM .

The awardees were honoured with cash prizes and citations.

Samiti secretary RK Dusarigopal said the commemorative event has been held since 2009, a year after Shitaljit's demise in 2008.Initially, the award was given to BOSEM Class X toppers in Manipuri, After BOSEM shifted to a grading system in 2024, the award was temporarily halted and resumed from 2025 for COHSEM Class XII students.

He noted that both students scored identical marks this year.

The initiative, he added, was started to promote and preserve the Manipuri language amid declining proficiency among youth.

"Our children are drifting towards English; through this award we aim to encourage them to learn and value Manipuri", he said.

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