Jhaljit, Sonamani honoured with Sahityaratna awards
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 24 2018:
In recognition of the contributions made by them in the field of Manipuri literature, noted Manipuri writers RK Jhaljit Singh and Elangbam Sonamani Singh have been conferred the Sahityaratna awards for 2018 by the Manipur Sahitya Parishad, Imphal today.
The Parishad has also bestowed this year's Sahityabhusan, Kabyabhusan and Gabeshnabhusan to Jodhachandra Sanasam, late Sanjenbam Bhanumati Devi and late Laiphrakpam Ashok Kumar respectively.
The Sahityabhusan and Kabyabhusan were also given in recognition of the recipients' contributions in Manipuri literature while Gabeshnabushan was given for contribution made by the recipient in bom Manipuri literature and Sanskirtan.
It may also be mentioned here ' that Bhanumati and Ashok Kumar were conferred the awards posthumously.
Sangeetratna, Sangeetbhusan, Natbhushan, Natyabhusan, Silpabhusan, Nrityabhusan, Kalabhusan, Badyaratna and several other awards were also given to singers and artistes of various art forms in recognition of their contributions made in their respective fields.
Some of the award recipients include Thokchom Ningol Chongtham Ongbi Sanatombi Devi (Matam Eshei), Yangnu Golmei (Matam Eshei), Irungbam Padmabati Devi (Khunung Eshei), Yanglem Ningol Thoudam Ongbi Mangi Devi (Sankirtan), Ngangom Chaoba (Shumang Leela) Soraisam Keshoram (Drama), Lungpuinga Remei (Kabui Folk Dance) and Samurailatpam Jaychandra Sharma (sculpture).
The awards and gold medals were distributed by Art and Culture Minister L Jayantakumar during the inaugural function of the 83rd annual convention of Manipur Sahitya Parishad, Imphal held today at Chandrakirti Auditorium, Palace Compound here.
Governor Dr Najma Heptulla graced the function as chief guest while Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Imphal president Professor Kangjam Ibohal Singh presided the function.
Speaking at the function, Najma Heptulla underscored the importance of literature in a society, saying it is the representation of a society that reflects its socio-cultural and other aspects.
She said that when one studies literature in chronological order, it gives the substantial and sufficient clues of the progress of the relevant society through the ages and various phases it has gone through.
Hence, literature reflects the level of civilization of the society it came through and it constitutes an important index of intellectual human progress.
Language is the vehicle of every literature through which it is expressed and therefore rich language is the essentiality for a country's literature.
Throughout the world, the Greek writers have shown how literature can become an intrinsic part of history and culture.
Manipuri writers are not an exception to this.
With the growth of modern education since 1891, Manipur has been blessed with many outstanding poets and writers, she said citing Dr Kamal, Chaoba and Anganghal as some among them.
She also lauded the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad for taking a pivotal role in the movement for inclusion of Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India and also in making the language recognized by the Sahitya Akademi.
Stating, that the rich Manipuri culture is reflected in Manipuri literature, Najma maintained that one can have a fair knowledge of Manipuri culture by reading and studying Manipuri literature.
The Governor conveyed that she has been making efforts to promote and propagate Nat Sankirtana through Manipur University of Culture.
Observing that Vaishnavite culture is found in South East Asian countries; she asserted that she is also planning to launch a research project to reconnect with the South East Asian region.
She also informed that the initiative is also the desire of Prime Minister Narendra Modj while maintaining that India and South East Asian countries have age old relation and communication.
Pointing out that there is an urgent need for proper documentation of the various aspects of the rich Manipuri culture in the endeavour to revive the age old relation between Manipur and South East Asian countries through cultural exchange, Najma added that Manipur Sahitya Parishad has immense roles in this regard.
She opined that honouring the art and writers of the State will go a long way towards promoting, preserving and enriching the rich cultural heritage of the State.
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