Tributes paid to MK Binodini on 100th birth anniversary
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 06 2022: The centenary birth anniversary of MK Binodini was celebrated today at Sri Sri Govindaji Temple, Palace Compound with a publication of two books written by the eminent writer.

The two books are Wari Macha Binodinigi and Nil Sandhyar Agun Megh (a Bangla translation of Asangba Nongjabi and Sri Bhavana) .

MK Binodini Devi, a novelist, short story writer, playwright, lyricist and member of the royal family of Manipur, was born on February 6, 1922 and breathed her last on January 17, 2011 .

She received Sahitya Akademi Award in 1979 .

Leimarol Khorjeikol (LEIKOL) also kicked off the year long 100th birth anniversary of MK Binodini at MDU Hall, today.

At the observance graced by former Chairperson of Manipur State Women Commission Prof Chongtham Jamini Devi; Dean of Humanities Manipur University Prof Nahakpam Aruna and LEIKOL president Kshetrimayum Subadani, floral tributes were paid to the photo of the eminent writer and the journal of LEIKOL was later released.

Tributes paid to MK Binodini on 100th birth anniversary

Cultural Forum Manipur (CFM) too observed the anniversary at the mini auditorium of Manipur Legislative Assembly Museum and Archives and offered floral tributes to the photo of the late writer.

MK Binodini was the founder president of LEIKOL and founder member of CFM.

Meanwhile, the centenary celebrations which are being organised by Imasi: The Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi Foundation which will be held for a year will see events by literary groups and institutions of Manipur and beyond, said a statement issued by the organising foundation.

Governor La Ganesan tweeted: "Extremely exuberant to extend my sincere greetings on the 100th anniversary of Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi.

Cultural Confluence is being organised as veneration to her sublime literary imprint that exhibits her deep moving ethos on the social and cultural fabric of Manipur" .

The new books penned by Binodini were launched with prayers and offerings by her close relatives to Lord Govindaji at Sri Sri Govindaji Temple of Sana Konung, the Royal Palace of Manipur.

"It is especially meaningful for us to offer prayers for my late Imacha on her 100th anniversary at the Sana Konung because this was where she was born and where she grew up offering services to Lord Govindaji," said Thoidingjam Lakshmipriya Devi, daughter of MK Angousana Devi, elder sister of MK Binodini Devi.

"Editing Wari Macha Binodinigi was an emotional journey for me as it brings her stories in her first book Nunggairakta Chandramukhi that I read as a boy, along with her unpublished short stories" said L Somi Roy, founder trustee of Imasi Foundation.

"Wari Macha Binodinigi is published by Imasi Publications in Meitei Mayek for use by students.

The original stories in Nungairakta Chandramukhi, included in Wari Macha Binodinigi, have recently been added to the curriculum at Manipur University.

It is the third volume of unpublished works by MK Binodini Devi to be brought out by Imasi Foundation, after Isei Binodinigi of her songs and Khonjel Lila Binodinigi of her radio plays.

Imasi Foundation trustee Huidrom Anuradha noted, "By publishing new books by Imacha, we advance the mission of Imasi Foundation to protect, preserve, and promote the legacy of MK Binodini Devi.

Bringing Nunggairakta Chandramukhi back into circulation along with stories she was not able to publish during her lifetime, is the highest tribute we can pay to the writer known to many as Imasi" .

Nil Sandhyar Agun Megh, a translation of the writer's renowned play Asangba Nongjabi is the first publication of the works of MK Binodini Devi in Bangla.

"We at Bhasha Samsad and Minati Ghosh are proud to have produced such a landmark book," said Bitasta Ghoshal, founder and CEO of Bhasha Samsad.

Information on the books is now available at www.imasi.org/imasibooks/ which was launched today," added the statement.