Patriotic Writers Forum (PAWF), Manipur celebrated its 14th foundation day on Thursday at Manipur Press Club during which two poetry books titled ‘Random Thoughts’ and ‘The Bouquet’ written by Damodar Laishram and short story ‘Ahingse Numit Tarene written by Hidam Dolen were released.
Presenting the keynote address, PAWF general secretary Rakesh Naorem said that the forum has been putting enormous efforts to promote Manipuri literature not only within the state but also in neighbouring states such as Assam, Tripura, Bangladesh and Myanmar.
PAWF has been building good relations with writers residing in these places and exchanging ideas and thoughts. So far, PAWF has published more than 100 books of different genres, he said.
He said that the forum is not only confined in literary works but also concerned about protection and promotion of the history of Manipur and also maintaining social ties with Manipuri diaspora, settling in the mentioned states and the countries.
Celebration of Ningol Chakouba with Manipuris settled at Assam has become one of the calendar programmes of the forum, he mentioned.
At the function, writers who had received different awards were felicitated. They are Yaiskul Khwairakpam, Sobita Mongjam, Dr Athokpam Umabati Devi, Mutum Ramani Devi, Thoudam Ruhinikumar, Okendro Khundongbam, MK Saroj Khan, Lenin Khumancha and Rakesh Naorem.
Up-Adhyaksha, Imphal East, Jila Parishad, Kshetri Tama; president, PAWF, Manipur, Naoroibam Khamba Luwang and patron member, PAWF, Manipur, Wahengbam Hemabati Devi attended the occasion as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
