Mahakavi Anganghal Award 2018 was presented to Manipuri writer of Bangladesh, Ananta Kumar Sheram popularly known as AK Sheram in a function.
The function was jointly organized by Sahitya Thoupang Lup and Hijam Romani Memorial Trust, Imphal at Manipur Dramatic Union Hall here on Saturday. The award carries Rs. 10,000 cash along with a citation and a shawl.
He was awarded for his contribution in promotion of Manipuri language, literature and culture in Bangaladesh.
Speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly Y. Khemchand, President Hijam Romani
Memorial Trust Dr. Soibam Ibocha, IPS (Retd), Consumers affairs food and public distribution department Minister Shri Karam Shyam and Editor Bhaskor, Bangladesh Pulin Roy graced the occasion as Chief Guest, President and. Guests of Honour respectively
While delivering speech Speaker Khemchand said he had visited Bangladesh last year. He was informed that Manipuries were there in Dhaka, the capital and largest city of Bangladesh. But they all fled the city during the Bangladesh and Pakistan war of 1971. So, he wanted to erect a statue of historical figure of the State to Dhaka and asked the Bangladesh personalities who attended the programme to officially approach the Manipur Governor. As the matter of concern for two countries, it needs to be sent to Ministry of External Affairs further. The approach may be by all Manipuris of Bangladesh or Manipuri Association of the country, assured by the Chief Guest.
Minister Karam Shyam said Manipuri society is full of problems and issues. It is no doubt that state writers can push the society in the right direction and bring peace & harmony. He appealed to the concerned for writing on….how to remove ego, apart from striking on social issues.
Later, a “Indo-Bangla Poets Meet” was also held. Eminent poets from Bangladesh along with other renowned poets from Manipur including Tangkhul, Paite, Chothe, Chiru, Nepali amongst other participated in the programme.
As part of the function, Khemchand led the people in giving floral tribute to the photo of Mahakavi Anganghal.
Saratchand Thiyam gave welcome and key note address at the programme. Hijam Ranjita read out one of the popular poems of Mahakavi Anganghal,‘Mingchat Thiba’ and writer Harnid Kaiser recited the translation version of the same poem. Makhonmani Mongsaba presented the biography of Mahakavi Anganghal.