Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 10 2009:
Manipuri Sahitya Parishad organised its 74th annual conference cum distribution function of awards, gold medals and cash awards at JN Manipur Dance Academy today.
Governor Gurbachan Jagat and Manipuri Sahitya Parishad president Dr N Tombi Singh graced the function as chief guest and president respectively.
Gurbachan Jagat while speaking on the occasion assured that he would urge upon the State Government to increase the current grant of Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for the Parishad.
He further said that the promotional activities of the Manipur Sahitya Parishad such as distribution of medals, cash awards and certificates in honour of distinguished personalities in the fields of art, culture and literature will go a long way in the preservation, propagation and enrichment of the cultural heritage and literature of the State.
The Governor said that with the growth of modern education after the British conquest of Manipur in 1891, Manipur has been blessed with an unbroken lineage of outstanding writers and poets.
There were Manipuri poets and writers who contributed much in ushering in a renaissance movement in Manipuri literature and arts, added Gurbachan Jagat.
The Governor further said that the nationwide recognition of Manipuri language in the year 1992 with the inclusion of the same in the eight schedule of Indian Constitution was due to its richness and also due to continuous efforts made by the people of the State, especially the lovers of the language and literature.
The annual conference resolved to urge upon the State Government to increase the grant of the Parishad and change into recurring grant.
The conference also decided to plead the Government for mandatory and increase purchase of Manipuri books.
The conference also resolved to urge upon the Co-operative Societies Register to approve the amended constitution of the Parishad.
It also resolved to increase the fees of ordinary membership and life membership fees to Rs 100 and Rs 1000 respectively.
Maibam Nabakishore was honoured with Sahitya Bhushan for his laudable contribution to Manipuri literature, while Haobam Gourahari was feted with Sahitya Sevak for his distinguished works in developing Manipuri literature.
Amom Gourabidhu Singh (nat sankritan), Nongrakpam Rameshchandra Dutta, Tongbram Bir Singh (pena), Aribam Tombisana Sharma, and Ningthemcha Ongbi Jati Devi (khunung esei) were awarded with Sangeet Bhushan.
Irengbam Muhon Singh, Kabrambam Kullachandra and Bachaspatimayum Surjamukhi were the Nat Bhushan winners.
Langoljam Shamu and Takhellambam Ibungo were honoured with Kala Bhushan.
Abujam Tanu Devi got Nritya Bhushan and Sarangthem Iboton got Bada Bhushan in the function.
Meihoubam Setyaban Singh (Meitei pung), Ahanthem Ibetombi and Takhellambam Bhim were the Gold Medal winners.
RK Jhaljit, Elangbam Sonamani, Elangbam Jaychandra, Laishram Ibohalmacha and Ningombam Ibobi were the cash prize winners.
Dr Nongmaithem Tombi was the Maisnam Oja Tombi critic award winner while Ksh Bir got BM Nobel award.