A book entitled Paokhum Phangkhidraba Wahang, a compilation of radio plays, written by Mani Tayenjam was released on Saturday at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal West. The event was organised by Patriotic Writers Forum (PAWF), Manipur.
Addressing the function, writer Mani Taiyenjam expressed gratitude to the state government for providing a grant of Rs 30,000 for the publication of his book ‘Paokhum Pangkhidraba Wahang’.
“Because of my deteriorating health condition and some other inconveniences, all my confidence was lost and eventually gave up my dream to release this book. But luckily, I happened to receive a pension or grant from the state government that helped me to accomplish my wish,” he shared while stating that releasing a book is not an easy task for those who are financially weak.
He said that his ability to write books has been gradually going down due to his deteriorating health condition each day. As such, being able to release this book is his immense pleasure as it could be his last book to be published, he added.
Attending the function as chief guest, director of Social Welfare, Ngangom Uttam Singh said that people hardly buy books nowadays and it may be because of declining reading habit or lack of proper market strategy or writing style not apt for the present generation. There might be various factors affecting the writers’ community, however, writers continuing to publish books as a passion despite big loss is highly appreciable, he added.
Sharing his suggestion on how to attract readers and get good sales of books, he said that the present generation does not go to the market to buy a book from bookstores thus resulting in unawareness of new books available in the market. As such selling the books door to door can be one option to promote books in the state, he suggested.
President of PAWF, Manipur, Naoroibam Khamba Luwang; Pradhan of Heingang Gram Panchayat, Konjengbam Jayenta and playwright, Manaobi MM also attended the function as president and guest of honour and book reviewer respectively.
