Book on Manipur nationalism released

Spectrum Publications of Guwahati and Delhi have just released Freedom from India - A History of Manipur Nationalism 1947-2000 A.D. by Malem Ningthouja of Delhi.

The book was released at a function in Delhi University on 30th August and a photograph of the book cover was flashed in The Hindu daily newspaper on its Book Review page of the same date.

A book release function would also be held in Manipur in Imphal in late October, simultaneously with the release of Nepram Bihari's translation of The Cheitharol Kumababa or The Royal Chronicle of Manipur.

Books would also be available at Modern Book Depot, in Guwahati and Shillong as well as important booksellers of Manipur in due course.

Full report here 

Hijam Guno passes away

Renowned novelist and short story writer of Manipur Hijam Guno has passed away around 5 pm on Sep 14 at his residence at Keishampat Thokchom Leikai in Imphal.

He was 85. Shri Guno had written the classic novels Laman (1968), Khudol (1968), Aroiba Poadam and Bir Tikendrajit Road. He won Sahitya Academy Award for the latter.

He had also written a short novel Eikhoi Tada (1966), which was translated into English and published titled My Elder Brother. He was given Dr BR Ambedkar Fellowship on the book.

He had written a book of poetry titled Tonu Laijinglembi Sheitharol.

Full report here e-pao

National Library Day observed

In commemoration of the 118th birth anniversary of Prof SR Ranganathan, the National Library (Librarian) Day observation cum Prof Ranganathan Memorial Lecture on book and society was held at the State Central Library in Imphal on August 12.

Organised by State Central Library, Imphal in collaboration with Manipur Library Association (MALA), Imphal, the event was co-sponsored by Department of Art and Culture, Govt of Manipur and RRRLF, Kolkata.

Director of Art and Culture, Govt of Manipur Dr Kh Sorojini Devi and president of MLA N Shyamkanhai attended the function as chief guest and president respectively.

Delivering the key note address, general secretary of MLA Dr Ch Ibohal Singh observed that Prof Ranganathan was the founder leader of Library science movement in the country and no one has been able to reach the kind of achievement and the sacrifices that he had done in this regard.

Full report here E-pao

"World Book Day" observed in Manipur

State Central Library, Imphal on April 23 observed the World Book and Copyright Day 2010 with a symposium importance of book as a source of primary knowledge in the globe at its premise at Keishampat.

Noted writer Dr Moirangthem Priyobarta speaking on at the symposium said instead of giving benefits, loss dominated in the publication of books in the state.

Sub-standard books should be thrown out and only the standard books should be preserved for reading, he opined. On the other hand Dr Ch Ibohal expressed concern over the reading habit of the people of state and said, there are no readers for novel and drama books published.

Full report here e-pao

Central Library observes World Book Day

Along with the celebration of its golden jubilee, State Central Library observed World Book Day at its premises on April 23.

Organising of a symposium on the topic, 'importance of books in the world today' was the main attraction of the day's celebration.

Speaking at the function, DM College of Arts Reader Dr Moirangthem Priyobarta said that books make a person literate who understands the pros and cons of every happening.

Stating that books enlighten the minds of human beings, he went on saying that it can even lift a person up to the level of God. He however said that people must avoid books which can spew poison and distrust among people.

Full report here e-pao

PREPAK imposes ban on book

The proscribed Peoples Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak has imposed blanket ban on Keisham Birchand`s newly released book `Manipur Kangleipak kouremde, Kangla konna leirakkhi`.

The outfit also imposed ban sale of a book written by Bengali writer Subalchandra Mitra Saral Bangla Abhidhan - an Encyclopaedia of the Bengali literature` to which the Manipuri writer took reference in preparing his book.

Announcing this during a press conference held somewhere in Imphal East district today, Lt Ningtamba, commander Imphal West district told media that Birchand`s book is a piece of Indianisation process that has been taking place in Manipur.

While asserting that Manipur has its own distinct identity and culture, the PREPAK leader said the outfit would never allow sale or distribution of books in Manipur which could enhance Indianisation.

Full report here Kanglaonline

Th Ibopishak bags literary award

The second Manipur State Award for Literature 2009 has been conferred on noted author Thangjam Ibopishak.

The award distribution function held at Kangla hall on April 16 under the aegis of the Education Department (Schools) was graced by Governor Gurbachan Jagat, Education Minister L Jayantakumar and noted scholar RK Jhaljit as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

The literary award instituted by the State Govt since 2008 was conferred on BM Maisnamba for the first time last year for his novel Ningthemnubi.

Full report here e-pao

Seminar on library promotion concluded

The two Day National seminar on Promotion of Public Library Service through Legislation in North East India organised the Manipur Library Association (MALA) in association with Union ministry of culture, RRRLF, Kolkata and state department of art and culture concluded today at Nupilal complex, Imphal.

In the valedictory function of the seminar held today director of art and culture Dr Ksh Sorojini has assured that she will give more attention to the long pending Manipur Public Libraries Act, 1988 for each implementation.

The seminar drafted a six point recommendations as outcome of the deliberations and discussions made during the technical sessions which included demand for constitution of a sub-committee with LIS experts and early implementation of the libraries act in state.

Full report here e-pao

Reading habit in Manipur declining

One significant reason of the non implementation of Manipur Public Libraries Act in the state of Manipur is the degrading reading habit of the people, stated Dr. R.K Nimai Singh, commissioner of arts and culture while attending the inaugural function of the two-day ‘National Seminar on Promotion of Public Library Service’ through legislation in North East (NE) held Saturday, March 27 at Nupee Lal Memorial Complex, Imphal.

Addressing the function, Dr. R.K Nimai Singh stated that reading habit of the people of Manipur has fallen drastically as compared to 1970’s,80’s and added that people of the present generation do not respect books.

Meanwhile, Narendra Lakkar, professor of Guwahati University Public Libraries stated pointed that the public libraries lag in the NE region which are supposed to play an important role in the development process of the region. He also added that public libraries play a vital role in the development process of a country.

Full report here Kangla Online

Reading festival

National Book Trust, India and Writers' Forum, Imphal will be organizing a two-day 'festival of reading with interaction between authors, children and youth on children literature on March 21 and 22 at Bal Bhawan, Khuman Lampak and Department of English, Manipur University Canchipur.

While the inaugural function is to be graced by Padmashree RK Jhalajit Singh and Prof IS Kangjam as chief guest and president respectively, interactive session will take place at Bal Bhawan (10 am) and MU (3 pm) on March 22, informed a joint release of the two organizations.

Eminent authors like B Jayantakumar Shanna, Amar Goswami and RK Bhubonsana Singh will participate the festival, the release further informed.