Manipur Language Day was observed on Tuesday by various organisations, marking the 33rd anniversary of Manipur language's inclusion in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution.
The department of Art and Culture, government of Manipur and the directorate of language planning and implementation organised a state level celebration of the Manipur Language Day at MSFDS Auditorium Hall, Palace Compound.
During the celebration, Manipur State Award for Literature for the years 2021, 2022 and 2023 were presented. The awards for 2021 were presented to Irungbam Deben, Maibam Nabakishore for 2022 and to Nahakpam Aruna for 2023.
In connection with the day, Education Minister Th Basantakumar highlighted the efforts to promote Manipuri as a classical language, noting that it is currently at the final stage of recognition.
The state government plans to establish several awards, including Manipur State Lifetime Achievement Award, Manipur State Award for Translation, Manipur State Young Writers Award to support and recognise contribution to literature, he informed, stating the need to promote and preserve other indigenous Manipuri language.
Kangleipak Loinasillon Apunba Marup (KLAM) held a commemorative event at its head office in Singjamei Chirom Leikai, Imphal West.
The Writers’ Platform (Writ plat) Manipur also marked the occasion with a special event at the Palace Compound, in collaboration with the Jaideep Memorial Foundation (JAIM Foundation).
The Meetei Erol Eyek loinasillol Apunba Lup (MEELAL) also observed the Manipur Language Day at their head office.
During the event of the Kangleipak Loinasillon Apunba Marup, Keithalakpam Sanahongba urged the writers to exclusively use the Manipuri language in their works, avoiding the inclusion of other languages. He emphasized the importance of thorough research to ensure the continued promotion and development of Manipuri, calling for unity among writers to maintain the purity of the language.
Manipuri Language Day observed in Thoubal
(PHOTO: IFP)
Peace And Freedom Academy, Thoubal Haokha in association with Private Schools Development Council Manipur observed 33rd Manipuri Language Day on Tuesday at Thongam Chaoba Multipurpose Hall in Thoubal District, commemorating the inclusion of Manipuri language in the 8th schedule of India constituency.
Founder member of Manipur Language Development Society, Ngangbam Nongyai, president of Private schools' Development Council, B Surchandra Sharma, president of Manipur University Student's Union, S Ibomcha and Managing Director of Peace And Freedom Academy Soibam Bishorjit, among others attended the event.
Speaking at the event, B Surchandra Sharma emphasised the importance of students in promoting the Manipuri language. He encouraged students to achieve high marks in Meitei Mayek, noting that Meitei Mayek is studied as a subject up to the university level.
Private School Development Committee Manipur also felicitated Dr MS Ningombam, K Chingkham, Ng Jayanand, Koubru Ningombam along with Ng Nabadip and M Dilipkumar of Silchar in Assam, who took part in the hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi from April 30 to May 15 in 1992 demanding for the inclusion of Manipuri language in the 8th schedule list.
On the other hand, IQAC Seminar Committee of YK College Wangjing in collaboration with Manipuri Department organised a National Seminar as part of the language day observation under ‘Manipuri Sahitya Chaokhatlakpa amadi Lol gi Yawol’ at Mini Conference Hall of the college, on Tuesday.
Principal of YK College Wangjing, S Giri, head associate professor of Department of Chemistry, L Sanahal and associate professor of Department of English, P Samarendra, among others attended the seminar.
Assistant professor of Manipur Department MU L Anand, research scholar of Assam University, Silchar, Th Somokanta Luwang, and Naorem Shilsila Devi, assistant professor of Mangolnganbi College Ningthoukhong N Apanba Meitei, head of Manipuri Department, YK College Wangjing, N Binoi along with Philem Lambeswar address their papers as resource persons on "Lol amadi Shakti", 'Atithi amadi Ahing' novel of BM Maishnamba ", " Ariba Manipuri seireng da uba phangliba natki machalsing", "Manipuri lol da mityeng ama", "Laai ikoubagi masak(Kanglei Haraoba)" and short story of "Laitonjam Premchand Lol".
Speaking at the seminar, S Giri emphasised the efforts and movement for the inclusion of Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Giri also highlighted the risk of extinction for Manipuri, given its relatively limited number of speakers compared to larger languages. Giri urged the public to support and promote the Manipuri script and language to ensure its preservation.
