The Patriotic Writers Forum (PAWF), Manipur observed the 31st Manipuri Language Day - Imalongi Numit - at Manipur Press Club in Imphal on Saturday.
Literary awards were presented as a part of the observation. ‘Pacha Meetei Literary Award 2022’ was presented to Maibam Premojit.
‘Dr Saroj Nalini Arambam Parratt Literary Award 2022’ was presented to Khumanthem Aneshwori and ‘R Kathing Tangkhul Literary Award 2022’ to Devjani Yumnam.
Speaking as the chief guest, MLA Langthabal assembly constituency Karam Shyam said that languages and scripts are the identity of a community. To have one’s own script and a language is a pride of the state, he said.
Therefore, the future generations should take responsibility in preservation and promotion of Manipuri language and script, he added.
He further said that there are many countries which are highly developed but do not have their own script and mother language. Because of this, they have been facing many disadvantages even if they are well off in many other fields, he said.
He also encouraged and appreciated PAWF Manipur for taking a good role in preservation and promotion of Manipuri language.
PAWF Manipur secretary Rakesh Naorem said that the programme is being organised with an objective to preserve and promote Manipuri language.
He said that the role of each and every citizen in preservation and promotion of the mother language is highly important.
‘Meiteiron’ or ‘Meiteilon’ language has been facing a gradual disintegration each year. The people of the state should consider the matter seriously and speak the language as much as they can at home without mixing it with other languages, he added.
A book titled ‘Eikhoigi Hojai’ written by KC Mangang was also released during the observance.
PAWF president, Manipur Naoroibam Khamba Luwang; PAWF Manipur patron member Nongmaithem Santa Singh; Bangladesh Manipuri Sahitya Sansad assistant general secretary, Sylhet Bangladesh Khundrakpam Shomendra Singh and president of Manipuri Short Story Society India, Laisom Gulap attended the event as president, guest of honour and special guests of honour respectively.
