Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, May 18 2009:
The state Education Minister L Jayentakumar today announced that the first State Award for Literature, 2008 will be awarded to writer BM Meisnamba.
Talking to reporters today inside his office chamber located at the Ministerial Block, L Jayentakumar said though the people of the state take pride in advancement in art and culture, writers of the state have been not getting enough attention and encouragement they deserve.
As such, to promote and encourage writers of the state, the government has notified for the award on December 19, last.
The award will carry a cash amount of Rs 1 Lakh, Education Minister L Jayenta said.
Brajamani Maisnamba, popularly known in the literary world as BM Maisnamba, is a noted writer who had also won the Sahitya Akademi Award.
He will be awarded for his novel 'Ningthemnubee' published in 2006.The selection for the award is done by 26 experts screening 20 publications.
The selected publications were forwarded to the Advisory Board and the final selection was made by three jury members who intimated the Education Minister about the winner, Jayentakumar said.
The award will be given to one prominent writer each year.
The novel selected for the award, 'Ningthemnubee' is a 400 page-book priced at Rs 300 per copy.
The book centrals around the life of medieval women when Langthabal palace was the power centre
of the kingdom.