Celebration of 100th birth anniversary of Khaidem Pramodini begins
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 03 2024: Along with distribution of awards, the yearlong celebration of the 100th birth anniversary of pioneer woman writer Khaidem Pramodini commenced under the aegis of Naharol Sahitya Premee Samiti, Imphal at JN Manipur Dance Academy, here, on Wednesday.

The function was kicked off with offering of floral tributes to the photo of Pramodini along with observance of a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to those killed during the ethnic violence.

Speaking on the occasion, Samiti vice president Yaima Haobam remembered Khaidem Pramodini as one of the three pillars of Manipuri literature by virtue her invaluable contribution to Manipuri literature.

Stating that Naharol Sahitya Premee Samiti had not been able to present awards for a long time since its inception, Yaima said that it was only in 1984, on the occasion of its silver jubilee celebration, that Khaidem Pramodini started handing over 'Khaidem Pramodini Sanagi medal', an award exclusively for women writers, to encourage Manipuri women writers, with cash prize included in the award from 2013.In honour of her contribution to Manipuri literature and her bonding, the Samiti has decided to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of Pramodini for a year.

Manipur University School of Humanities former dean Prof Polem Nabachandra spoke on the topic 'Manipur Sahityada Khaidem Pramodinigi khudol'.

The function was attended by ex-minister Dr M Nara and Samiti, Imphal president Naoroibam Indramani as chief guest and president respectively.

The 199th edition of the quarterly journal of Naharol Sahitya Premee Samiti "Wakhal" was also released on the occasion.

During the second session of the function, the Thokchom Jogendra memorial cash, Telem Indubala memorial, Lairenlakpam Jugindro memorial literature and Aribam Chitreswar Sharma awards for 2023 were presented.

The Thokchom Jogendra award sponsored by Kripamayi Devi was presented to Kenebo Rajkumar for his book of poems "Ningshingba Gi Pothashang"; Lairenlakpam Jugindro award sponsored by Kumari Devi to Heikrujam Shyamsundar for his Manipuri translation of the book "Kanthapura"; Lairenlakpam Jugindro literature award sponsored by Lairenlakpam Sharat to Irungbam Basanta for his book "Punshi amasung Tingkhang"; Aribam Chitreswar Sharma award sponsored by Aribam Chitreswar Sharma to Yaiskul Khwairakpam for his book "Hiyairol".

The awards include cash prize, citation and shawl each.

The awards distribution function was attended by DM University VC Prof N Rajmuhon, Naoroibam Indramani and JN Manipur Dance Academy director P Bilash as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Leikol (Leimarol Khor-jeikol) also organised the 100th birth anniversary of Khaidem Pramodini at MDU Hall, Yaiskul Police Lane on Wednesday with Manipur Language Advisory Board, Sahitya Academy convenor Prof Rajen Toijamba arid Leikol president Ksh Subadani as chief guest and president respectively.

Art and Culture deputy director (Programme) Gurumayum Dharmadas Sharma and Manipur University of Culture board member Wangkheirakpam Chandrasakhi were present as guests of honour.

Manipur University School of Humanities former dean Prof Nahakpam Aruna was also present as speaker during the function.

In his address, Prof Rajen Toijamba commended Khaidem Pramodini for her contribution in the held of Manipuri literature.

She was an asset of the state who devoted her life and worked for the development of Manipuri literature, art, theatre and films, Prof Rajen said, adding that Pramodini was among three revered Manipuri women in modern literature.

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