M Rajendra conferred Gopal Sharma Award 2024
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 21 2024:
The Gopal Sharma Award-2024 which is presented by Sahitya Thoupang Lup (Sathoulup) annually dedicated to founder editor of Poknapham daily, was handed over to writer Moirangthem Rajendra in recognition of his contribution to Manipuri literature.
The award presented on the occasion of World Poetry Day organised by Sathoulup at Mani pur Press Club on Thursday, and sponsored by the family of late Gopal Sharma carries cash prize of Rs 15,000, citation and shawl.
Moirangthem Rajendro was born on February 15, 1941 at Tentha Khunjao Mayai Leikai in Thoubal district to (late) Moirangthem Ibotomba and Kumti Ddvi.
He is an MA in economics.
After working as a teacher in a high school, Rajendra joined Thoubal College in 1969 and retired on September 30, 2000.He has contributed to Manipuri literature and also took part in many poetry recitation events organised by various literary organisations.
He is also recipient of wards including Kabya Bhushan presented by Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Imphal; Soibam Maradona Memorial Literary award by Cultural Forum Manipur; and Laishram Chandrasakhi Chumthang Sahitya award by Sahitya Seva Samiti, Kakching.
He was also adjudged winner of the Soviet Land Nehru award in 1978.Speaking as chief guest of the function, Manipuri Sahitya Parishad president Longjam Joychandra noted that the general notion that poetry will cease to exist in this technologically advanced world is a misconception.
As long as the natural beauty of the environment and the life of human beings continue to give us an impact, poetry will flourish, he maintained while expressing that due to unique and scenic landscape and serene environment, people of Manipur tend to be romantic and emotional in nature, consequently endowing the people with inherent qualities of a writer since the time of our forefathers.
As more writers follow the footsteps of the forefathers, the present generation should not forget the contribution made by our forefathers in enriching Manipuri literature, he stressed.
Delivering the award acceptance speech, Moirangthem Rajendra recalled that in-spite of his brief acquaintance with Gopal Sharma, he was able to understand some of the latter's qualities.
In addition to his role as a journalist, Gopal Sharma also contributed immensely for the promotion of Manipuri literature and sports, he noted and expressed gratitude to Sathoulup and family members of Gopal Sharma for presenting the award to him in recognition of his humble contribution to Manipuri literature.
Presided over by Manipuri Sahitya Parishad president Nongmaithem Kiran Kumar, the function also had a poem recitation session chaired by
Sahitya Akademi awardee Koijam Shantibala Devi.