Tomchou honoured with literary award
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 13, 2011:
Noted Manipuri playwright Athokpam Tomchou has been honoured with Khundongbam Brojendro Ningshing Mana, 2011, a lifetime award given tri-annually by Writers'Forum, Imphal.
The award was presented to Athokpam Tomchou during a function organised by the Forum at Rupmahal Theatre here today.
At the occasion a symposium on theatre and Shumang leela movement in Manipur in the first decade of 21st century organised and the play 'Kanagidamakno'of Khundongbam Brojendro was staged.
An acclaimed successful playwright who has been decorated with many awards and accolades in the past, Athokpam Tomchou was born May 3, 1944 at Heinoukhongnembi Konjeng Leikai.
Taking inspiration from late GC Tongbra, Tomchou started writing Shumang Leela scripts since 1966. Stage plays written by Tomchou have also been performed by various theatre groups.
Among his noted plays, Waroipot, Nungshiba Thiba, Chinnadana Kenkhi, Shiroy Lily, Shambal, Mangdraba Lan, Promotion, Ashiba Thawai, Shooti, Shakaptagi Aroiba Ahing, Taramdai Korou, etc in full length plays and Suicide Case Ama, Dustbin, Yaom Ama, etc, among short plays in could be mentioned.
Tomchou is also an approved play writer of All India Radio, Imphal.
He had written one serial and 16 short plays for radio.
Among them, Meegi Manam, Akhaba Hu, Shamgirei Amagi Wari, Ubidraba Mitki Pee, Khungangda Amuk Hallashi ha, etc have received rave reviews from the critic and popular appreciation from general listeners.
On the other hand, late playwright Khundongbam Brojendro was born on January 18, 1989 and passed away on January 13, 2007.Over 20 plays written by him have been performed by the artistes of Rupmahal Theatre group.
Some of his plays like Bor Interview, Haigatlang, Imagi Mamou, Echasha Epa Lamboirage, Ei Mamani, Mihatpa Kanano, etc have performed more than 100 times.
In his memory, his wife Khundongbam Ongbi Raina alias Leina and his other surviving children have donated Khundongbam Brojendro Ningshing Mana.
At the outset of the function, Managing Director of Shija Hospital Dr Kh Palin delivered the welcome address from the side of the family members.
Earlier during the morning, a symposium was organised during which theatre critic Budha Chingtham presented a paper.
The president of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Prof N Tombi Singh was the moderator of the symposium which was also attended by Naba Wareppa and Dr Lamabam Gojendra as panellists.
In the award presentation ceremony held during the afternoon, Chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board E Dwijamani, writer E Sonamani and president of Writers'Forum, Imphal Aribam Kumar Sharma were as chief guest, guest of honour and functional president respectively.