Manipuri writer Yaiskul Khwairakpam from Awang Sekmai has been conferred the ‘Dr Thiyam Suresh Literary Award 2024’ by Patriotic Writers Forum (PAWF), Manipur for his exceptional works in the field of literature.
The award was presented to Yaiskul during an event held at Ima banquet Hall in Keishampat. It carries a cash prize of Rupees 10,000, a shawl, a citation and a memento. President of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Imphal, Longjam Joychandra and head of Manipuri Department, Biramangol College Sawombung, Laishram Landhoni were present at the event.
PAWF secretary Rakesh Naorem said that the award was contributed by family members of late Dr Thiyam Suresh and his wife, RK Tamphasana in his memory. He recalled that Suresh, who was also a former patron member of PAWF succumbed to covid 19 on May 23, 2021.
Noting that the foothill of Anglo Hills in Burma where Lamyanba Hijam Irawat died is left as an arable land, he called upon the Manipur Sahitya Parishad and other likeminded groups to extend their support in urging the Government to preserve the land as a Historical site for future generations.
It may be mentioned that Suresh served as the former Director of Health Services Manipur. Apart from this he was also a Film Producer and a writer. One of his magnum opus is Louba Naidraba Kavaw Valley (The Endless Kavaw Valley). The award is being handed over by PAWF in honour of his memory and invaluable contributions he made for the welfare of the people and the society.
Attending the event, L Joychandra said that Sahitya Akademi Award is not only the prestigious award and encouraged the writers not to be disheartened for not winning the award. He asserted that the State Kala Kala Akademi Award is also one of the distinguished awards among those presented by various Sahitya groups in Manipur. He further congratulated Yaiskul upon receiving the award.
Yaiskul Khwairakpam was born on Ocyober 15, 1941 to late Luja Khwairakpam and Angom Ningol Thambal from Awang Sekmai Makha Leikai. He has authored over 10 books including short stories, poetry and drama. Some of them includes Sekmaida Pokpa Siba (Prose, 2011), Phijinungi Kundo Pareng (Short Story, 2012), Siroy Lily (Poetry, 2013), Phijilsi Honglaroidra Ima (Short Story, 2015), Noonglon (Puya, 2016), Maral Luhong Tamba (Poetic Song, 2017), Khamnung Lambi, Nonga Lambi Takpa (Poetic Song, 2017), Hiyairol (Prose, 2019), Punshi Ichellaktei (Lyrical Poems, 2019), Nawa Rupapaal ( Novel, 2021), Nawa Rupapaal ( Sheirengi Ichel, 2022), Chatkhi Chatnadrabaduda (Drama, 2023) etc.
Apart from excelling in literary works, Yaiskul is also a Manipuri Film Story Writer. Some of his notable works are seen in Manipuri Feature Films ‘Leiyisigi Wangmada (2014)’ and ‘Bangladeshki Sana Tampha (2019)’, both directed by OC meira and Produced by Rakesh Naorem under the banner of Ipak Films Production Manipur. He also wrote a story for a Manipuri Short Film named ‘Bangladesh ki Thoibi’.
He is also a cultural activist striving to bring and strengthen cordial relations among the Meeiteis of not only Manipur but Manipuri diasporas residing in Assam, Tripura, Myanmar and Bangladesh. Yaiskul has also received various awards including national awards for his immense contributions in preserving and promoting Manipuri language, Literature and Culture.
