Manipur’s young writer Sonia Khundrakpam has been conferred the “Yuva Puraskar 2022” award for her Manipuri novel “Loyumba”. Dr Chandrashekhar Kambar, president, Sahitya Akademi presented the Puraskar to the awardees at the award ceremony held at Triveni Kala Sangam, Tansen Marg, New Delhi on Tuesday.
The award comprises a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and an engraved copper plaque
“Loyumba” is a valuable work of fiction in contemporary Manipuri literature. The novel demonstrates the high level of sacrifice and creates such a situation that makes the readers experience the sublime. The absorbing lyrical pattern and the impressive use of phrases and idioms added to the richness of the novel. The author's excellent plot construction, chiseled characterization, fertile imagination, deep sensibility and elegant sense of beauty make the novel a mesmerising read.
The 34-year-old awardee is the daughter of Kh Kullachandra and RK Kiranbala Devi of Kongba Kshetri leikai, Imphal East. The Manipuri fiction writer was born on 14 April, 1989 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Application. She started writing during her school days and has published two novels "Mahousagum" and "Loyumba". She is also a recipient of "Debina Takhellambam Ningsing Award" and is a life member of Manipur Cultural Forum and Literary Society.
The Yuva Puraskar, also known as Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar, is a literary honor in India which Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters, annually confers on young writers of outstanding works in one of the 24 major Indian languages. Instituted in 2011, it recognises young writers under the age of 35, with the aim of encouraging and promoting young writers.
In continuation of the award ceremony, an awardees meet was held at Sahitya Akademi Auditorium, First Floor, Rabindra Bhavan, 35, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi, on Wednesday at around 10.30am where the award-winning writers will share their creative experiences.
