Imphal, October 11 2009: The 85th birth anniversary of RK Maipaksana was observed in a solemn function held at Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy Imphal today.

Columnist of The Sangai Express (Manipuri edition), Nomita Khongbantabam has been conferred the RK Maipaksana Journalist Fellowship for this year during the function organised by RK Maipaksana Memorial Trust.

Padmashree RK Jhalajit and former Director of Education, Elangbam Yaima graced the occasion as chief guest and president respectively.

Nomita Khongbantabam has been selected by a board of trustee for the fellowship in recognition of her works in the field of journalism.

She will now receive Rs 2000 every month for one year.

Nomita would write atleast two articles on the issues related to Government, public, development issues of interior and hill areas, hill-valley relationship, young widows and orphans etc during this one year.

Speaking at the occasion, RK Jhalajit remembered the works and life of RK Maipaksana.

He said that Maipaksana was against the Constituent Assembly's loyalty to the king.

He was also against the prerogative rights enjoyed by the Maharaja and Maharani of his time, RK Jhalajit added.

The historian also remembered Maipaksana as a person who tried to bring a republican form of Government to Manipur.

During his presidential address, Elangbam Yaima also remembered his association with Maipaksana and the works and achievements of the journalist.

RK Jhalajit released a book entitled, Manipur Itihaski Tangkak Amada RK Maipaksana, authored by former Editor of Prajatantra and ISTV News, Kangujam Madhumangol in the function.

Functional president Elangbam Yaima also released a souvenir in connection with the celebration.

Born on October 11, 1924, RK Maipaksana was one of the founders of Manipur State Congress which was formed on October 4, 1946 .

He became the first Editor of Prajatantra in 1948.He was also the Imphal correspondents of Shillong based weekly The Shillong Times and Calcutta based English daily, Hindustan Standard and Guwahati based Assam Tribune.

Maipaksana joined All India Radio in 1963 and retired from service in 1984 .

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