Subjugation of local vernacular to Bengali script is akin to Burmese suppressing Manipuris during seven years devastation and the resurgence of indigenous Meitei script will come when Manipuri literature is liberated from the appropriation, said Langthabal MLA Karam Shyam.
He was speaking at the book release programme of Rajen Toijamba’s Chahi taret Khuntakpa and Sahitya amadi naat ki wareng khara in Imphal on Saturday. The programme was organised by Ashangba Communication at the preview theatre of Manipur State Film Development Society.
The MLA further exhorted people of the state to safeguard the rich literary heritage, stating that growth of literature in the state will not be possible without the collective effort of the people. He also appealed to literary figures in the state to initiate transcription work of important literary text to indigenous script for posterity.
“Approaching the government to initiate the project is a viable option as the project would require financial aid and manpower,” said Karam Shyam.
He also exhorted youths to experiment with creative writing and record the stories of known personalities in the state. This will be immensely beneficial for research work and other academic purposes in the future, he added.
The two books are transliterated reprints of Rajen Toijamba’s books of the same title.
President of Manipur Sahitya parishad, Longjam Joychandra; Cultural Forum, Manipur, president, professor Huirem Bihari Singh; assistant professor of Dhanamanjuri University, Priyobarta Elangba, among others attended the programme.
