Imphal, June 07 2010: In appreciation of her contribution to the development of Manipuri culture, Manipur State Kala Akademi has honoured noted Manipuri woman writer Padmashree Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi with Life Time Achievement Award for Culture, 2009 today.

First of its kind instituted by the Akademi, the award carrying cash reward of Rs 1 lakh along with certificate, citation, shawl and memento was presented during a impressive function at the auditorium of JN Manipur Dance Academy here today.

Governor Gurbachan Jagat and Padmashree RK Jhalajit Singh attended the function as chief guest and president respectively.

As Binodini Devi could not attend the function on account of illness, her son L Somi accepted the award on her behalf from the Governor.

Born in 1922 as a daughter of Maharaj Churachand Singh Maharani Dhanamanjuri Devi, Binodini began her schooling from Israni Smriti Mandir at Nabadwip and the college education from St Mary's College, Shillong.

She had also studied painting and sculpture from Kala Bhavan, Shantiniketan.

Binodini started writing while still in class X.So far, 40 popular radio plays written by her have been broadcasted successfully through All India Radio, Imphal.

She had also left her literary mark in many films and documentaries as scriptwriter.

Some of these notable films and documentaries are Olangthagee Wangmadasu (1980), Imagee Ningthem (1980), Paokhum Ama (1983), Eshanou (1990), Mayonphigee Macha (1994), Sanabi (1995), Sangai Dancing Deer of Manipur (1988), Orchids of Manipur (1994), Laa (1997) and Ashangba Nongjabi (2003) .

Among her literary works, 'Boro Saheb Ongbi Sanatombi (novel) went on to win Sahitya Academi Award in 1977 .

She had also been decorated with various other honours and prestigious awards at the State as well as National level including Padmashree in 1976, Kamal Kumari National Award for Art and Culture in 2002 and Jamini Sunder Guha Gold Medal.

Speaking as chief guest of the function, Governor Gurbachan Jagat noted that MK Binodini is not only a well-known woman writer but a multifaceted personality who has made great contribution in the society in various fields like arts and culture, dance and songs, films and plays, etc.

The Governor recalled that Binodini was the first person who takes dance troupes from Manipur to different parts of the world to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Manipuri people while she was the secretary of JN Manipur Dance Academy.

Acknowledging her literary works, the Governor noted that 'O ! Mexico', a travelogue published in 2004 and Churachand Maharajgee Imung, an essay published in 2009 are her latest works.

To honour such a multifaceted personality with Lifetime Achievement Award for Culture, 2009 is very apt, the Governor added.

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