Loubukki Manam (Manipuri poetry) : Book Review
Author: Tongbram Amarjit Singh

Meengam Khurai *

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Book Review : Loubukki Manam (Manipuri poetry) by Tongbram Amarjit Singh
Publisher : Sarda Translations And Publishing Group
Year of Publication: 2013
Price : Rs. 180/-

“Poetry is emotion put into measure. The emotion must come by nature, but the measure can be acquired by art.”
— Thomas Hardy

The poetry book is an anthology of 52 manipuri poems was published in 2013. And the poet has been awarded for his work the prestigious Yuva Puraskar in 2018 by Sahitya academy. He was born on 5th December 1987 at Thanga Tongbram leikai. He had done MA English from MANIPUR UNIVERSITY IN 2009. Now working as a translator at Manipur State Assembly.

The first poem Traffic Lamjel really strikes me, the poem described the chaotic of our society. Our Imphal traffic really depicts the disoraganised and hasty mindset of our society, less concerned of the rules and regulations. We need to abide and follow rules and show discipline in order to progress as a society. In the poem Karak Kachin- the poet describes the dark scenario of the Kwairamband Keithel and dirty affairs in the nook and corners.

The petrified mindset of our society during the last 20 years has been depicted through the poems - Agnouba Jeepsy, Bharagi Yum- Homecoming, Concern Of Our Native Birthplace. Kashmirda Ahing, Second Hand Bullet Proof, Ahingba Mee Amadi Mongfam, Meenai Loishangi Form, Morgue Ki Paokhong.

The increasing influx of migrant labourers and the future mayhem scenario after the railway connection of Imphal to other mainland have been depicted in the poems- Alu Bhora and Eikhoigi lambi. While Meehing Lalonba addresses on the issue of Woman and human trafficking.

Loubukki Manam title of the book describes the importance of our paddy fields and farmers. But unfortunately area of paddy fields has been diminishing gradually in the name of developmental projects and urbanization, even they are many laws and acts for their conservation. In near future we are definitely facing the hard consequences soon.

Some poems - Machi Fakkhraba Rhino, Yuhar Haba, Turel, Laishangi Umangsing Sanagi Sangol Pony – are concerned with the Nature and Preservation of wildlife.

Eemagi Nga Lubak, Ema, Loktak carries the emotional attachment of the poet to his birthplace, love and care towards mother tongue Manipuri language.

Nungsithoiraba Aasha, Chingi Chinkhi Chingthrao Nachomdo, Thajaga Eiga.
Thammoigi Workshop, Ashangba Wahei. Punsi.
Eigi Loinabi Lishing Ani Mari.
Mingsel Amadi Ei Wahei Khra.
Ahinggi Khudol, Nungsibi Sony, Metamkhi Nungsi Shaktam, Kabow Chanu,
Thammoi Leirang Leinungsi, Syria, Ashibagi Wakat, Meikhu-
carries the emotion of love, desire, aspiration, memories and remorse and turmoil .

Khongjang Amadi Khongulsing , Yawolgi Macha Ningtamba- give thoughtful insights upon the nature of revolutionary movements.

Ningol Mangi Leikol, Khoiyumgi Mapari- give tributes to eminent internationally well-known personalities.

Some poems give many inspirational ideas - Ninghannadba Lamjel, Kanana Haiba Ngammi, Santigi Password.

The last poem Eina Leijaningba Leikai depicts an ideal place, society where everyone should aspire.

Most of the poems written in short with minimal simple words per lines, yet meaningful. That is what a novice reader like me really wants and understand. And such quality of writing deserves to win the prestigious Yuva Puraskar 2018. I wish to read more from the poet Mr. Tongbram Amarjit Singh.