Manipur Education Minister S. Rajen Singh has said that writers are the leading light of the society. The minister was speaking as Chief Guest at the Distribution of Manipur State Award For Literature held in the auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA), Imphal today.

This year’s “Manipur State Award For Literature” was conferred to Sudhir Naoroibam for his book “Asengba Yum Amasung Atei Warising”, a collection of 12 (twelve) short stories published in the year 2018. This year’s award comprises Memento, Citation, Shawl and Rupees Three Lakhs was handed over by the minister to Sudhir Naoroibam during the award ceremony.  

Speaking at the occasion, Minister said that the role played by our writers in the society is very big. The direction of the society is manned through the fountain of their writing pen. The state is rich in many fields. That is why Manipur is also known as the land of jewels. Writers expressed their thoughts and philosophies through their writings. The tradition and standard of a society are reflected through their writings, he added.

He maintained that there is no loss in learning and knowing languages of different communities and countries. At the same time, we should also preserve and protect our ancient language and script. A gap between the young generation and the old generation is seen during the recent past. This gap can be bridged only through the means of maintaining and preserving our old scripts, he maintained.

Rajen also assured that the state award for Translation will be instituted from next year in consultation with the officials of the Language and Education department. The government have also acknowledged the importance of translation of different languages, he added.

In his Presidential speech,  Commissioner, Education(S) T. Ranjit Singh, said that honouring our writers is significant as shaping the society to a better shape. This year’s Award Distribution occasion is organised in a restricted way due to the ongoing Pandemic of COVID-19. Ranjit also congratulated the awardee and wished a brighter future.

Director, Language Planning and Implementation Th. Chitra Devi attended the Occasion as Guest of Honour. Officials of Language department, Education department, writers community, officials and teachers from Manipur University and others also attended the occasion.