Rebirth of Jodha Chandra Sanasam in Manipuri literature
- Part 4 -

Surjitkumar Loitam *

Jodha Chandra Sanasam

His dream to write his fifth Novel

In 2021 about the last part of February after the publication of Thaja Chanu, one day while sitting together with him at his residence, he put forth his plan to write a new novel. He continued his expression, "I have read over B.M. Maisnamba's Tangban Lan and after reading the historical novel a new thought came to my mind remembering the story told by elders about the devastation of our kingdom due to the greediness of the brothers of royal family of the throne.

On the other hand, on the basis of some historical facts which were not covered by BM Maisnamba's book, I thought of writing my fifth novel to be my last one as a new Tangban Lan (war for throne) and really its framework is in my mind with the plan to write down." I expressed my views, "Sir, that is a good thing. But please do not think of it to be the last one. Writing must be carried on as long as you can,"

He continued, "Actually, I cannot say how long I will be able to write or not. Simply I disclosed what I am thinking to you. There are several engagements of writings incomplete. In such a situation the Assembly Secretary, Mutum Ramani Devi came to my residence asking me to translate one of her books which I had accepted the approach.

Really I am in confusion to think of many things to be done. I feel pain of such situations at the present stage of my personal age. Moreover, the visitors are my close friends, collegues and well wishers and thus the engagements are almost unavoidable. Well, I am to carry on my duties as long as the life goes on.*'

It is true that Jodha Chandra Sanasam continued the writing of his works for a long time. In his journey of writing, he had been careless about his personal age and health, he was always keeping the youthful spirit But the time to break down his health and of his inability to hold even a single pen had arrived.

It was 3 May 2021 morning, a ring came to me and said, "Suijit, my health is too weakening, I cannot take up anything. I am completing the translation of almost all the parts of Chinglon Amadagee Amada written by brother Makhonmani Mongsaba, it is only a few parts. I remain unable to complete it." These words of his expression had clearly shown how he was so seriously, interested in his work of writing. He cherished his love of writing till his last

News of Death and Condolence from all Circles

It was 16th May. 2021, Sunday around 12 noon while I was listening to the radio programme, unexpectedly a telephone call came to me. When I picked it up, Wahengbam Romen the secretary of IMAKHOL had given news 'Sir Jodha died at RIMS this morning around 12 O'clock.* On hearing the news, I thought of it a dream.

A week back it was 8 May, Saturday morning around 11 O'clock 18 minutes, a call came to me from RIMS and it said, "Suijit, my dear brother, now I am in RIMS. I am getting somewhat improved'. I have got the strength to speak and thus I ring to you. We have many things left to be done when I have got improved,"

He spoke very weakly. The line was also disturbing but it was our last talk. I responded, "I draw your kind attention that all of your friends and well wishers including Prof. Nongmaithem Tombi are praying to God for your quick improvement:" He told, "Please pray for me, thank you all, I am getting improved very soon. Let us meet together again."

Earlier there was a free talk very often and since 30 April I had been ringing very often. But there was no response to my ring for a long time and I remained waiting for any of his call or response. But today everything was contrary to me.

My thought heart and body altogether were dull and exhausted. My life was growing pessimistic and I was losing of hope. I was almost helpless to participate in the condolence of the aggrieved family due to the lockdown of OOVID 19. Indeed ray heart was broken.

The evening 7.30 news of All India Radio Imphal had covered the condolence message about the death of Jodha Chandra Sanasam. Different organisations irrespective of literary and non literary organisations had sent over condolence messages over his death. That day I was fasting with the prayer to God for his soul to rest in peace. On that day the All India Radio Imphal had broadcast the prayer programme for his soul including songs written by him at 9.30 p.m

Next day almost all the newspapers had covered the news of his death one after another. Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, the Cultural Forum Manipur, Nabarol Sahitya Premi Samiti, Imphal, IMAKHOL, AMMIK etc. had expressed condolence messages about his death. The newspapers continued the publication of the news about his death for about one week.

Afterwards, his friends, collegues, well wishers, learned scholars and followers wrote poetries, songs and prose writings praying for his soul to take rest in peace. Several songs were carried on describing his contributions and achievements during his lifetime for several days.

After 6 days of his death (21st May 2021), the Manipuri ningol, Monika Ingudam had organised one Manipuri Interaction programme for expressing condolence about his death through the popular social media platform, You-Tube channel, under the title Finding The Voice from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.

In this programme several learned scholars had expressed their heartfelt memories about his life and contributions and it was, indeed, a beautiful and perfect obituary programme.

The ISTV Network had covered a specific condolence programme of his death. Thus the newspapers continued several days, weeks, months covering celebrated programmes describing his life and contributions in his literary journey. Once Laishram Sashikumar, a renowned literary figure described him as such, "Jodha Chandra Sanasam, after his death, will be a sung figure more and more." Now his expression becomes real reflecting the true picture of Jodha Chandra Sanasam.

It may said proudly without doubt that Jodha Chandra Sanasam was a fireball shining like the bright Sun in Manipuri literature during the short period of his rebirth over and above the success of his career as a specialist ENT doctor as well.

In short, it is no exaggeration to say that his efforts and contributions had brought forth the development of Manipuri literature up to the standard of world literature. Thus his sacrifice, efforts and contributions will remain unforgettable forever. It is true that a man like him who has been blessed by the kindness of God could accomplish all the wonderful things.

He is like a banyan tree which gives shelter to everybody, sheltering everyone from the sun and its heat and the rain. After the banyan tree has fallen down, what will be the future of his followers and well wishers.

There is no word to express such agony. How dear his great soul was, it is really worthwhile.

Read Poems written by Jodha Chandra Sanasam here

Concluded...