IMPHAL, Jan 21: The Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with Ahangba Communication, Imphal organised a one-day literary forum on ‘Creation Myths in Old Manipuri Manuscript’ at Dave Literature Centre here today.
H Bihari Singh, Convenor of Manipuri Language Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, L Upendro Sharma, Director of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, who is also the advisor of Ashangba Communication and Gautam Paul, Assistant Editor of Sahitya Akademi, Regional office Kolkata were the presidium members.
Giving his introductory speech, H Bihari said that the Sahitya Akademi earmarks a good amount of fund for the Northeastern states of India. Focus is given on contemporary writers who are ready to work on folklores, he said, adding that scholars of Manipur in particular need to do more work in bringing out the literary treasures for a wider readership.
In the occasion, Mayanglambam Gourachandra, L Birjita Devi, Chanambam Hemchandra and Makhomani Mongshaba spoke on length on different aspects of myths associated with the ancient Meitei scripture of Puya. Two books were also released in the inaugural session. The books are ‘Imphalda Marwarisingi Khundarol Amadi Atei Warengsing’, written by Nungleppam Shyamkanhai and ‘Malemgi Leimaida Manipurising’ written by Khoisnam Mangal. Eminent writers and critic were also present in the literary gathering.