BM Maisnamba bags State literary award
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 19 2009: Noted writer BM Maisnamba has bagged the first ever Manipur State Award for Literature 2008 .

BM Maisnamba was given the prestigious award for his novel Ningthemnubi.

The award carrying a cash incentive of Rs one lakh, one memento and a shawl is the only award instituted by the State Government for writers.

The award was conferred to BM Maisnamba by Governor Gurbachan Jagat during a function organised by Department of Education (S) at Kangla Hall today.

BM Maisnamba receiving the Manipur State Award for Literature 2008 from the Governor. BM Maisnamba was given the prestigious award for his novel Ningthemnubi

Governor Gurbachan Jagat, eminent poet Laishram Samarendra and Education Minister L Jayantakumar were the chief guest, guest of honour and president of the function.

BM Maisnamba was born in 1946 at Loklaobung.

He worked as an Account Officer at Manipur Spinning Mills Corporation Limited.

He was a columnist in magazines and several journals.

Some of his published novels include Athiti Amagi Ahing, Sorarengi Machanupi, Ahingi Nupi, Kangla Diary, Imphal Turel Mapalgi Rajkumari, Imashi Nurabi, Ningthemnubi, Srimati Kumarika, Shridham Nabadweep Ongbi etc.

His poetry works include Ipam Khambi Meihoure, Leikanglagi Achakpa Meiree and Mashina Eigi Aroiba Esheini.

BM Maisnamba has already been honoured for his outstanding literary works with scores of awards like the Dr Kamal Memorial Award, Yendrembam Surlata Sahitya Mana, Manipur State Kala Akademi Award, Jamini Sunder Guha Gold Medal Award, Sahitya Akademi Award etc.

Addressing the gathering, Gurbachan Jagat said that the award was instituted to promote Manipuri literature and also to give recognition to outstanding literary works of the State.

He asserted that writers have tremendous role in bringing socio-economic development in a society.

Minister Jayantakumar noted that good literature helps in shaping the psychological disposition of citizens.

Eminent poet Laishram Samarendra exulted at the State's Government new policy of honouring writers and instituting an award for them.

He noted that the long cherished dream of writers for recognition of their works by the Government has been realised.