IMPHAL, August 18: The yearlong birth centenary celebration of Rajkumar Shitaljit Singh from August 18, 2013-August 18, 2014 began today at JN Manipur Dance Academy Auditorium Hall, D M College campus jointly organized by Sahitya Thoupang Lup and Shitaljit Memorial Service.
The inaugural function was attended by Manipur University Vice Chancellor, Prof H Nandakumar Sharma and JN Manipur Dance Academy former director Longjam Joychandra as chief guest and president respectively.
During the function, Nongthombam Kunjamohon writer of “Elisa Amagi Mahao” was felicitated with a memento and shawl.
N Kunjamohon speaking at the function said that when he was studying in class V or VI, he along with friends set up a library.
After coming to Imphal, they contacted OK Book Store to send them books during which he came across R K Shitaljit`s books from where he got the taste of Manipuri Literature for the first time in his life, he added.
Speaking as chief guest, Prof H Nandakumar Sharma said that Shitaljit has made a great contribution to the Manipuri society by publishing a Manipuri-English dictionary .
He further said that Shitaljit’s dedication for the students has made him received the National Teacher’s Award from the President of India in 1967.
In 1990, Manipur University awarded the doctrine of philosophy to R K Shitaljit Singh with a special convocation, he said.