IMPHAL, June 8: The 36th anniversary of Manipuri Shahitya Pracharak Sabha, Wangjing was held at the auditorium of Progressive English School, Lamding today.
Two writers of the area were encouraged by conferring Priyoshakhi Ningshing Shahitya award and Subakumar Life Time Literary Award donated by two benevolent donors during the anniversary celebration.
The first “Priyoshakhi Ningshing Sahitya Mana was donated by Thockchom Amuba Singh, Shastri of Khangabok Khullakpa Leikai in the name of his late mother.
The award comprising of Rs 10,000/-, a shawl and a citation are awarded at a two year interval.
This year the award was conferred on well-known writer, Dr Nongmaithem Pramodini Devi of Kakching Khullen Makha Leikai for her book of short stories entitled “ Mathou Shanglaba Yot” (2012). She is the 6th writer to receive the award which had been presented since 2002.
Subakumar Lifetime Literary Award donated by Laishram Premchand of Wangjing Sorokhaibam Leikai in the name of his late father for the first time from this year onwards includes a cash amount of Rs 10, 000/-, a shawl and a citation.
Dr Shashikumar is the first writer to receive the award. He was selected for the award in acknowledgement of his contributions in literature.
As part of the celebration, three persons who won various awards were also felicitated: Kshetri Bira (Kakching), recipient of Sahitya Akademi Award, 2012 and State Literary Award, 2012, M Rajendro of Tentha, awardee of Kavya Bhushan Award 2013 and Ranjita Konthoujam of Yairipok who received Yuva Purushkar Sanman Patra, 2012.
Later, a Sheireng Sheidinnaba (poetry recitation) chaired by M Nandakishwor Sharma was held in which 23 poets read out their poems.