The Manipur Sahitya Parishad presented the Sahitya Bhushan Award to Aribam Kumar Sharma from Wangkhei Thambalkhong Imphal for the year 2022 at Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, Imphal on Friday.
The award was presented as a part of the two-day 88th foundation day celebration of Manipur Sahitya Parishad and its 87th annual body meeting which started on Thursday.
The parishad presented altogether 29 awards in various fields related to literature. Kabya Bhushan Award was presented to Thangjam Ibopishak Singh; Sangeet Bhushan (Matam Esei) Award went to Nandeibam Sushila Devi; Sangeet Bhushan Award (Nata Sankirtan) was presented to Khwairakpam Yaimabi Devi;
Natya Ratna Award was bagged by Meisnam Kaminikumar Singh; Natya Bhushan (Ras) award by Shanglakpam Khogendro Sharma; Natya Bhushan (stage drama) by Wairokpam Kamini Singh; Natya Bhushan (Goura Leela) by Brajabashimayum Jugolchandra Sharma; Gabeshna Bhushan award by Naoroibam Indramani; Kala Bhushan (Lai Yekpa) award was received by Aribam Joychandra Sharma; Kala Bhushan (Thang Ta) by Khoisnam Daballo Khaba; Kala Bhushan (Lairik Thiba) by Okram Khongnem Singh and Badya Bhushan by Nameirakpam Malembabu Singh.
Addressing the function as chief guest, former president of Manipuri Sahitya Prashid, Thoidingjam Tombi Singh said that with so many difficulties and challenges, Manipur Sahitya Parishad has been contributing in preservation and promotion of Manipuri language. The state has rich assets in the field of art, culture and literature, he said.
He further said that writers and artists are the ones who play main roles in preservation and promotion of these said assets. With the help of it, Manipur is known as a global platform. However, the state government is allocating a small budget in this field and there is a need to hike the annual budget amount for art and culture as many arts forms and culture are dying in the state, he added.
It is highly appreciable of MP Leishemaba Sanajaoba for raising the matter to enlist Manipuri Language as classical language of India; there is high hope and expectation that the state government would extend their best level effort and surely achieve it, he added.
Other dignitaries, who attended the function, included vice-chancellor, Manipur University of Culture, prof P Gundindro Singh and president, Manipur Sahitya Parishad, Longjam Joykumar Singh as guest of honour and president respectively.
