Imphal: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh presented the Manipur State Award for Literature, 2024 to distinguished writers of Manipur at an Award Presentation Ceremony, held today at the Palace Auditorium of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS). The Award Presentation Ceremony was organized by the Directorate of Language, Planning and Implementation, Government of Manipur.
The Chief Minister handed over Manipur State Lifetime Achievement Award in Literature, 2024 which included a citation, shawl and cash award of Rs. 4 Lakh to Kangjam Ibohal Singh, popularly known as I.S. Kangjam. Manipur State Award for Literature, 2024 which included a citation, shawl and cash prize of Rs. 3 Lakh was presented to Arambam Ongbi Memchoubi for her poetry book ‘Thamamba Ahing’.
Akoijam Jiten was honoured with the Manipur State Young Writer’s Award for Literature, 2024 which consisted of a citation, shawl and cash prize of Rs. 1 Lakh for his book named ‘Khyum Nongdam Kao’.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand stated that literature had been taking the role as a guiding light on the progress of civilization, society and preservation of our culture. Congratulating the awardees, he expressed that the Government would always remember their valuable contributions in the field of literature.
The Chief Minister mentioned that the State had gone through a tumultuous phase in the last two to three years affecting the state’s economy, particularly the daily wage earners. He reiterated that people might have resentment against the government, however, they should not resort to bandhs, blockades or shutdown as it only hit hard on the daily wage earners and labourers.
Citing an example of agitators vandalizing the iron railing, being installed for beautification and public safety, at the median of Tiddim road during protest, Khemchand urged the public to abstain from any form of agitation which would adversely tarnish the image of our society and the state’s economy
He reiterated that maintaining peace and harmony among different communities residing in the State is the one of the necessities to foster development, he appealed to the public to work together, setting aside all differences and to take the State to a new path of growth and development.
Art and Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, while addressing the gathering, expressed his dismay over the delayed presentation of the Manipur State Award for Literature 2024 to the awardees, as the State had gone through a tumultuous period. Lauding the contributions of writers in preserving the culture, he asked them not to be disheartened by the delayed presentation of awards and assured that the State Government always stands with them and would provide all possible assistance.
The Minister maintained that the State’s development activities had witnessed setbacks due to the unprecedented crisis that had occurred in the State and as such the Government had been toiling day and night to make up the losses. He urged the public to work together under the guidance of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand to foster growth and development.
It may be mentioned that while the Manipur State Award for Literature had been presented to eminent writers every year since 2008, under the Directorate of Language, Planning and Implementation, Manipur State Lifetime Achievement Award for Literature and Manipur State Young Writer’s Award for Literature are being presented for the first time commencing this year.
The Award Presentation Ceremony was also attended by Director, Language, Planning and Implementation L. Radhakanta Singh, senior government officials, previous years awardees and eminent writers among others.
