The debut poetry collection of young poet Archita Nongthombam, titled “Oranges of Blue”, was released during a solemn literary gathering held at Carrie’s & Co, Changangei, Airport Road, Imphal. The volume is dedicated to the cherished memory of her late grandmother, Rajkumari Maipaksana Devi.
The book release ceremony was attended by Kangjam Radhakumar, retired Indian Administrative Service officer, as the chief guest, while Dr Chungkham Shreelaramani, retired Principal of DM College of Arts, presided over the function. Renowned Manipuri singer Chongtham Kamala Devi graced the occasion as the guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering, the chief guest Kangjam Radhakumar appreciated Archita Nongthombam’s ability to translate everyday experiences into emotionally resonant and sincere poetic expressions. He described her verses as reflective of an honest engagement with life and encouraged the young poet to continue her creative journey with greater literary contributions in the years ahead.
Presiding over the function, Dr Chungkham Shreelaramani offered a thoughtful reflection on the poet’s youthful sensitivity and the deep emotional bond she shared with her grandmother, which finds poignant expression throughout “Oranges of Blue”. He observed that the collection reveals a tender mind shaped by memory, affection and introspection. Guest of honour Chongtham Kamala Devi also spoke warmly of the poet’s intimate connection with her late grandmother, noting that Archita’s reverence for nature and the earth is vividly reflected in her writings.
26 years old Archita Nongthombam was born at Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal in Imphal East and is the eldest daughter of Nongthombam Ingocha Singh, Manipur Police Service, Sub Divisional Police Officer, Imphal West, and Dr K Roshinibala Devi, Assistant Professor and Head of Department Home Science at Standard College, Kongba. She have a sister and a brother. She completed her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in English from St Mary’s College, Shillong, and went on to obtain her Master’s degree in English from The English and Foreign Languages University, Shillong. She has qualified the National Eligibility Test and is currently pursuing doctoral research at the same university.
“Oranges of Blue” marks her first major literary work and presents a collection of poems that speak gently yet clearly about the earth, humanity and emotional memory. Through evocative language and reflective imagery, the book conveys messages of hope, care, kindness and responsibility towards nature, inviting readers to pause, feel and reconnect with the world around them.