IMPHAL, May 14: Writers of the State should take active roles in shaping the society towards peace and tranquillity, stated Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam while inaugurating the 81st annual meet of Manipur Sahitya Parishad today at Maharaj Chandrakirti Auditorium, Palace Compound.
The inaugural session was attended by Dy CM Gaikhangam as the chief guest while Prof Thoidingjam Tombi of Manipur Sahitya Parishad was the functional president. Higher and Technical Education Minister Kh Ratankumar was the guest of honour.
Gaikhangam statedthat without knowing the past, the present cannot be tackled and obviously preparation for the future will be impossible. “To know our past we rely on our literature and this is the reason why we should promote our literature,” Gaikhangam added.
Quoting Marcus Tullius Cicero, the Roman orator, Gaikhangam said, “To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child.”
He said that history has taught us not to remain ignorant and a mere spectator of the changing society.
Citing examples like ‘mob justice’ which has become prevalent in the State, he said that such instances are slowly demeaning the rich culture and traditions. Many such incidents are degrading the moral values and social custom which was never seen before in the State.
He urged the renowned writers to reflect such social evil practices of victimizing innocent people in their writings to bring a change in the society.
Referring to an earlier statement of the Chief Minister on increasing the grant given to Manipur Sahitya Parishad from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, Gaikhangam said the CM will be apprised at the earliest to provide the amount with other necessary funds.
Gaikhangam also stated that imagination of writers could be the catalyst to change a society as books not only inform but also transform.
The ongoing issue of the ILP movement indeed is an awakening for the entire State, the Dy CM said.
“There needs to be a balancing point in the awakening and we have to foresee the impending complications which we might face in the course of the struggle,” he added.
Kh Ratan stated that works of writers are not only confined to bringing good literature but also play an important role in other social issues.
He further said other grants like publication of rare book will be incorporated in the grants provided to Manipur Sahitya Parishad.
As part of the function, a journal was also released by the dignitaries.
Later, a seminar on the works and life of Bachaspatimayum Jayantakumar Sharma was also conducted.
