By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday presented the Manipur State Award for Literature, 2024 to eminent literary personalities during a ceremony held at the Palace Auditorium of the Manipur State Film Development Society in Imphal.
The event was organised by the Directorate of Language, Planning and Implementation, Government of Manipur, to honour notable contributions to literature and literary culture in the state.
At the ceremony, veteran writer Kangjam Ibohal Singh was conferred the Manipur State Lifetime Achievement Award in Literature, 2024. The honour included a citation, a shawl and a cash reward of Rs 4 lakh.
The Manipur State Award for Literature, 2024 was awarded to Arambam Ongbi Memchoubi for her poetry collection Thamamba Ahing. The award carried a citation, shawl and a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh.
Meanwhile, Akoijam Jiten received the Manipur State Young Writer’s Award for Literature, 2024 for his book Khyum Nongdam Kao. He was presented with a citation, shawl and a cash award of Rs 1 lakh.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh emphasised the significance of literature in shaping civilisation, safeguarding cultural heritage and guiding society.
Congratulating the award recipients, he assured that the government would continue extending support and recognition to writers and literary contributors.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the challenges faced by Manipur over the past few years, noting that the prolonged unrest had severely affected the economy, especially daily wage earners and labourers. While acknowledging public dissatisfaction with the government, he appealed to citizens to avoid bandhs, blockades and shutdowns, stating that such actions largely impact economically weaker sections.
Referring to incidents of vandalism during protests, including damage caused to iron railings installed along the Tiddim Road median for beautification and safety purposes, he urged people to refrain from activities that could harm the state’s economy and public image.
Khemchand Singh further called for unity and peaceful coexistence among various communities, stressing that collective efforts were essential for Manipur’s growth and stability.
Also addressing the gathering, Khuraijam Loken Singh expressed regret over the delay in presenting the awards, attributing it to the prevailing situation in the state. He commended writers for preserving the cultural identity of Manipur and assured continued assistance from the government.
The minister added that developmental projects had suffered setbacks due to the prolonged crisis, but said the government was making sustained efforts to restore normalcy and recover from the losses.
Officials informed that while the Manipur State Award for Literature has been presented annually since 2008 under the Directorate of Language, Planning and Implementation, the Lifetime Achievement Award and Young Writer’s Award were introduced for the first time this year.
The ceremony was attended by Director of Language, Planning and Implementation L. Radhakanta Singh, senior government officials, past award recipients and prominent literary figures from across the state.