First Thiyam Leirikmacha International Award conferred to AK Seram from Bangladesh
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 25 2011: The First Thiyam Leirikmacha International Award has been conferred to the Bangladesh Manipuri writer AK Seram by Sahitya Thoupang Lup (Sathoulup) at the award presentation ceremony held at JN Manipuri Dance Academy today.

The Thiyam Leirikmacha International Award which is to be conferred to Manipuri writers living outside the state has been handed to AK Seram for the first time recognizing his untiring effort for the upliftment and promotion of Manipuri language.

The award carries a cash prize of Rs 10,000/-, a memento and a certificate.

The award presentation ceremony was graced by N Kunjamohan, Sahitya Awardee, Dr K Sobita, Director, Art and Culture and Bangladesh Manipuri writer Anantkumar(AK) Seram as presidium members.

Delivering the key note address, Saratchand Thiyam said that the Sahitya Thoupang Lup was established in the year 2003 primarily to promote and safeguard Manipuri language which has been reported by UNESCO as a "potentially endangered language".

The report does not necessarily mean that Manipuri language is extinct or is going to get extinct.

He further went on to say that the organization, nevertheless, had apprehensions on what the fate of Manipuri language will be in future.

The people of the state at the same time were also worried about the language.

As such many Manipuri writers came up who have safeguarded, promoted and enriched the language.

Same is the case with Manipuri people living outside the state.

They are working with their heart and soul to protect, preserve and promote the Manipuri language.

The Thiyam Leirikmacha International Award, said Saratchand Thiyam was instituted to recognize the spirit of the Manipuris writers living outside the state.

Speaking on the occasion, AK Seram, recipient of the First Thiyam Leirikmacha International Award said that the award given to him today belongs to the whole Manipuri community residing in Bangladesh.

It is indeed an honour to receive such a priceless award.

The population of Meeteis including Manipuri Pangal is hardly 20,000 in Bangladesh.

But they are living in Bangladesh as sons of Manipur still.

A Manipuri Language and Research Development Committee have been formed in Bangladesh to develop Manipuri language, he said.

He further expressed his desire of receiving some help from the Manipur government to develop Manipuri language in Bangladesh.

Manipuri Film festival, seminar on Manipuri sahitya and other Manipuri Language Festivals are also being held in Bangladesh to promote the language, he said.

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