NEW DELHI, March 12 (MIC): ‘How do I write?’ This was the topic given by the Sahitya Akademi, Delhi to all the Sahitya Akademi awardees for the year 2013 who were asked for deliberation at the Writers’ Meet to be held on the next day of the Sahitya Akademi award presentation ceremony in New Delhi .
Dr Makhonmani Mongsaba, the recipient from Manipur for his travelogue in Manipuri- Chinglon Amadagi Amada praised the great Guru of Indian Theatre Ratan Thiyam for whom all blessings flowed. He was speaking to the gatherings of the Writers’ Meet held at Meghdoot Theatre Complex here today with Dr. Chandrashekhar Kambar Vice President of Sahitya Akademi in the chair.
He said, “My best respect and credit for receiving such a valuable award go to Ratan Thiyam, Chairman of the National School of Drama, New Delhi and Director of Chorus Repertory Theatre, Imphal. His guidance and support inspired me a lot for such a creative writing. I write a travelogue because of him.”
Narrating about the production of his travelogue, he stated that in 1987, he joined Chorus Repertory Theatre, Imphal as an actor and acted plays under the guidance of Ratan Thiyam. The theatre troupe traveled many places in India and abroad to participate International Theate Festivals from 1987 to 1995. Being an actor, during the off performance days, he started working in-depth study on the life and culture of the people of different countries. He collected art works, photographs, important incidents and events during the tours and started to make a travelogue.
He said, “My travelogue is a result of an actor’s vision during his travel place to place and country to country. In this book, I am attempting to portray the civilizations of different countries, human values, love, peace and integration.”
He recounted the lines- “We’re all alive, but we don’t know why or what for; We’re all searching for happiness, We’re all leading lives that are different and yet the same. The sun is shinning, the sky is deep blue, there’s magnificent breeze and I’m longing-really longing for everything; Conversation, freedom, friends, being alone” from the book- The Diary of a young girl by Anee Frank, which he never forget the lines. He felt in shock to read the book when he got it during his stay in Netherlands .
Referring to his journey in films, he said, “I started leaning film amking under the guidance of pioneer film activist and maker of Manipur K. Ibohal Sharma.” He acted some Manipuri films. He produced and directed films and received National Film Award in 2001.
On his journey in literature, He said, “Literature is my first love. I began my career as a short story writer since my early life.” He wrote short stories, poems and books. After joining the Cultural Forum Manipur, he associated in many literary events of the organisation. He was, at present, the Editor of the Ritu, the periodical of the organization.
He expressed on his receiving the award, “It is the day of remembrance of a glorious chapter in my life. This award gives me a new strength to write more. I will continue to write till my last breath.”