Writer, narrative artiste Chana Lukhoi passes way
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 29 2024: Renowned writer and Puya Wari Leeba (narrative) artiste Oinam Tunan, popularly known as Chana Lukhoi has passed away on Sunday at the age of 74 at his home after undergoing treatment for over a week at Raj Medicity, North AOC.

Chana Lukhoi was born on April 10,1950 to late Oinam Mani and Irungbam Amu Lei-ma of Chana village, Imphal East district.

He ventured into narrative art from the tender age of 12 years, learning the art from his grandfather Oinam Sanggai.

In his youth days, he was a journalist for publications like Kangleikhol and Khollao.

He was also a columnist and wrote for several local newspaper before settling as a regular columnist for The Sangai Express Manipuri edition.

Besides, he is also known for writing several Shuman Leela scripts and penned more than 150 plays.

'Eegi Nong', 'Keishamthong Thoibi', 'Cheinabung'; 'Nongngankhidraba Ahing', 'Sajibugee Nonglei', 'Kheba Chinggee Napomda', 'Ipam Meihoure', 'Hingbagi Dabi', 'Keidoungei Hinggani', 'Ahingna Ngairi', 'YotkiKolu', 'Numit.Kappa', 'Mongphamna Eihakpu Kourakle', 'Sabi-Sanou Express', 'Ipam Lamdam Yenglubada', 'Miss Sangbannabi', 'Kangleipakta 1709', and 'Love 2000' are some of his popular Shumang Leela plays.

He also wrote and published several books which include 'Charei Huimadon Leima', 'Eegi Nong', 'Sanapatki Thariktha', 'Chaffing Lairembi', 'Hotel Boy', 'Nupi Lalda Thouna Fabishing', 'Saknaiba Taranithoi', and 'Taibang Ipak Lallamdai' .

Some of his plays and stories adapted into feature films include 'Keishamthong Thoibi', 'Ningshibi Ahing', 'Pacha', 'Sekmai Turel', 'Lei-eesigi Wangmada', 'Bora Uchi', and 'Khomlang Laman' .

'Eikhoigee Iche' was one of his most popular radio series.

He was an ardent promoter of Sanamahi Laining and promoted the indigenous religion of Meetei community among the Meetei diaspora in Bangladesh, Myanmar and others.

He also made significant contribution in promoting Shumang Leela art form and also played major role in the establishment of Manipur University of Culture, where he had remained as a faculty member.

He was also a member of Kangla Fort Board's religious committee, and was a recognised Puya Wari Leeba artiste of DDK Imphal and AIR Imphal.

He was honoured with several awards in different field including 18 awards for best scripts and nine awards for second best scripts in Manipur State Shumang Leela Competitions.

Manipuri Development Trust, Bangladesh had honoured him with 'Eikhoigee Panthou' title, and Assam Mahila Samiti conferred him 'Eikhoigee Pibarel' title.

IKAM Award for Shumang Leela playwright, 'Chingmee-Tammee Nungshi Khudol Mana' by Meetei National Front, Kangleipak, 'Khumanthem Kaomacha Memorial Gold Medal' by Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, and 'Ningthombam Birendrajit Award' & 'Iboyaima Shumang Leela Award' by Manipur State Shumang Leela Council are also among the awards in his coffer.

Meanwhile, Utra Shanglen Sana Konung, Manipuri Students' Federation, Patriotic Writers' Forum, Manipur, Wakhallon Mannaba Apunba (WAMA), Kangleipak, and Arambai Tenggol condoled the untimely demise of the writer-artiste, and shared the grief and pain of the bereaved families.

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