35th Manipuri Language Day celebrated across Manipur and Assam
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal/Kakching/Jiribam, August 20 2026: The 35 th Manipuri Language Day was observed at various places in Manipur and Assam on Thursday with literary programmes, poetry recitations and discussions highlighting the richness of Manipuri language and literature.

At Khongjom, the Thoubal District Branch of the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Wangjing, organised a district-level poetry recitation competition for students at Slopeland Public School as part of its yearlong silver jubilee celebrations marking 25 years of its establishment.

Slopeland Group of Institutions Principal Dr Nahakpam Babulin Meitei attended as chief guest, while Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Thoubal District Branch president Dr Yumnam Mahendra Kumar presided over the programme.

District Child Welfare Committee, Thoubal chairman Langpoklakpam Romenkumar was the guest of honour.

A literary discussion formed part of the programme, with Waikhom Mani Girls College Associate Professor Sengoi Sanasam and CCEF Wangjing Principal Sanjiv Nongthombam speaking on the evolution of Manipuri literature, different literary forms, the present condition of Manipuri literature and its relationship with society.

They also highlighted the significance of the Manipuri language and script in the global linguistic landscape.

A student poetry recitation competition was held in three categories, with winners later felicitated with awards.

A separate poetry reading session, moderated by noted poet Nahakpam Biren, featured 15 poets who recited their original works.

At Kakching, the 35th Manipuri Language Day was observed at the Library and Information Centre, Kakching, organised by the Sahitya Seva Samiti, Kakching.

Sahitya Akademi Awardee and Samiti president Kshetri Bira and writer Naorem Amuyaima Singh attended as presidium members.

Samiti treasurer Nongmaithem Sunita Devi delivered the welcome and keynote address.

Noted novelist ES Sundar and the presidium members spoke on the Manipuri language, the contributions of Manipuri writers and the people's efforts towards inclusion of the language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Samiti vice-president M Kunjakesho Singh.

In Assam, Hojai Girls' College also observed the day under the aegis of its Manipuri Department.

The programme was presided over by department head Dr S Sarat Chandra Singh, while Principal-incharge Sumita Debnath attended as chief guest.

Academic in-charge Dr Piyush Nandi, Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Assam secretary Phamdom Manibabu, Rabindranath Thakur Vishwavidyalaya Assistant Professor Dr Dijamani Sharma and Hojai Girls' College Assistant Professor G Nandini Sharma attended as guests of honour.

Assistant Professor Y Premabati Devi delivered the keynote address, while students Huirem Priya Devi and Loitam Bobita Devi anchored the programme and delivered the welcome address respectively.

The dignitaries highlighted the richness of Manipuri language and culture.

A poetry reading session was later held, moderated by Assistant Professor Dr M Asha Rani Singha, with students and teachers of the Manipuri Department presenting their poems.

At Hailakandi, the 35th Manipuri Language Day was observed at Yaifa Sanglen, Laishramkhul, organised by the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Hailakandi District Committee.

As part of the celebration, Meitei candidates who emerged victorious in the recently held Panchayat elections, meritorious students who excelled in the Class X and XII examinations, achievers who received awards in various fields, and those recently selected as university teachers were felicitated.

Yumnam Jayant, who successfully cleared the NEET examination, was also honoured.

The programme concluded with members of the Apunba Aeeba Lup presenting their original poems.

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