New Delhi: Honoring the beauty of Manipuri literature and presenting it as a timeless gift for future generations, Saroj Nalini Khomdram’s book Ningshing Lakanungdagi was launched on Sunday at the Deputy Speaker Hall, Constitution Club of India, New Delhi.
The launch event was graced by Meenakashi Lekhi, senior Supreme Court advocate and former Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Asha Lakra, a member of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes and former Mayor of Ranchi, Jharkhand, served as Guest of Honour. Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, MP, presided over the occasion.
The ceremony opened with a mesmerizing performance of Basanta Raas by Vivian Rajahamsan and Karishma Wahengbam. Published by the Library of Manipur, Ningshing Lakanungdagi is a collection of eleven heartfelt memoirs that offer a glimpse into life in Manipur, as seen through the eyes of the resilient and inspiring Saroj Nalini Khomdram.
The book captures deeply personal experiences, emotions, and reflections, many of which had remained buried in the author’s heart for years. These stories resonate universally, embodying the struggles, courage, and hope of a woman who faced life’s challenges with an unwavering spirit.
The memoirs explore the adversities endured by elders, young mothers, and children in relief camps, recounting the violence, destruction, and displacement that have plagued Manipur. Saroj Nalini poignantly reflects on the enduring conflicts in her homeland, their devastating impact, and her reflections as she grows older.
The chapters include titles such as For My Children, Life Partner, On the Way to Jail, A Day in Lockup, Meeting the Shaman, At the Teacher’s House, Eche Choubi, At the Minister’s Quarter, My Treasured Wedding Gift, My Black Cow, and her account of participating in the Hunger Marchers of 1965. The author dedicates the book to the sons and daughters of Manipur who lost their lives in the conflict that erupted on May 3, 2023—an offering born of sorrow and remembrance.
Born on December 29, 1949, in Imphal to Laishram Angangjao Singh and Khomdram Ramani Devi, Saroj Nalini Khomdram is a social worker and the wife of Ingudam Tomba Singh. She has devoted her life to fostering harmony and mutual respect by creating safe spaces where young girls from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds could live and learn together. Her motivational sessions on life and career choices have left a profound mark on the students she guided.
Saroj Nalini is also a prominent voice on radio and television, addressing topics such as palliative care and social issues. Her enduring love for Manipuri literature inspired her to establish the Library of Manipur, where she passionately reads and interprets the works of Manipuri authors, making them accessible to those who have moved away or are unfamiliar with the language.
With Ningshing Lakanungdagi, Saroj Nalini Khomdram makes a significant contribution to the literary and cultural heritage of Manipur, offering readers a moving and invaluable collection of stories that celebrate resilience, memory, and hope.
