Sahitya Yok-khat Kanglup (SAYOKA) Tentha observed its 44th foundation day by presenting awards to writers at Tentha Multiplex at Tentha Khongbal on Tuesday.
The programme was inaugurated by paying floral tributes to the portrait of renowned English novelist Thomas Hardy.
SAYOKA Tentha president Kartik Maibam, Sahitya Academy New Delhi Manipuri Language Board Convenor Professor Rajen Toijamba and Sahitya Academy Awardee Saratchand Thiyam attended the event as presidium members.
“Thomas Hardy Sahitya Ningsing Mana 2023” presented by SAYOKA Tentha was conferred to renowned writer Kamal Toijamba. He was presented the award for his book “Churachandpur da Khundariba Meetei Sing” written in the year 2006. The award, sponsored by writer Moirangthem Rajendra from Tentha, includes a certificate, a shawl and a cash of Rs 5,000.
SAYOKA also felicitated “Sambanduram Nandakishwor Handokoi Mana-2023” awardee writer Yamuna Lairenjam of Tentha with a certificate during the programme.
Professor Rajen Toijamba appreciated SAYOKA for their initiative to uplift literature.
Saratchand Thiyam stressed on the bond between human lives and literature and the need to write down the day-to-day happenings.
He added that the book “Churachandpur da khundariba Meetei sing” will be a handy book for the future generation as the book clearly states about Meiteis residing in Churachandpur. The future of Churachandpur Meiteis remains unpredictable due to the ongoing conflict and they might not be able to return back to their hometown, he said.
SAYOKA secretary Premojit Maibam said that SAYOKA was formed in the year 1979 by literature enthusiasts of Tentha to encourage the local writers and will continue to uplift them.
