Imphal, October 12, 2009: Literature of Manipur is one of the best literatures in the North Eastern region, said Dr Ramkumar Mukhopad hyay, Regional Secretary of Sahitya Akademi, Kolkata.

He was speaking at the inaugural function of a year-long golden jubilee celebrations of the Naharol Sahitya Premi Samitee held at Ema Khunthokhanbi Shanglen, DM College Campus here today.

Renowned historian and scholar RK Jhaljit pre sided over the inaugural function, of the celebrations of 50 years of.

Existence of the Naharol Sahitya Premi Samitee.

The Samitee honored RK Jhaljit by conferring upon him the title "Writer of the Year." Six former presidents of the Samitee were also honored on the occasion.

They were presented shawls and mementos.

Dr Ramkumar Mukho-padhyay.

who was the chief guest of the function, also released a souvenir and a journal "Wakhaldagi." Addressing the large gathering Dr Mukhopadhyay lauded the role being taken by the Naharol Sahitya Premee Samitee in the development of literature in Manipur, and also the role it had taken in the inclusion of Manipuri language in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution.

The literature and culture of Manipur can be adapted with the literature and culture of other states of the country; and have a distinct place of their own, Dr Mukhopad hyay affirmed and added that Manipur is known all over the world because of its culture, tradition and literature.

He further extolled Manipur for having a number of translated versions of master pieces of literature of foreign and other Indian languages.

He pointed out that the state has seven bodies working in the field of literature.

All are taking part in the efforts to develop literature of the state.

He announced that a dictionary from Bengali to Manipuri will be published at the earliest.

Giving key note address, president of the Naharol Sahitya Premi Samitee, L Joychandra said that with the valuable co-operation of the people, the Samiti is still able to work actively.

RK Jhaljit said that literature is one of the most valuable things, and out of 6.6 billion people across the world in 175 countries have their own literatures.

India has 169 languages, but only few have their own literatures.

Development of literature needs people's co-operation, RK Jhaljit said.

Later, a two-day Eastern Regional Poetry Meet was opened by the chief guest, Dr Ramkumar Mukhopdhyay.

Assamese, Bengali, Maithili, Nepali, Orya, Santhali and Bodo poets participated in the meet.

A number poets and writers who came from North Eastern states will present their poems tomorrow at 9.30 am.

At the concluding part of today's function, a Thang-Ta exhibition performed by artistes of the Hueiyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Artistes kept the audience spell-bound.

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