Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today said that literature has always served as a guiding force in the progress of civilisation, society and the preservation of cultural identity, while urging citizens to uphold peace and refrain from disruptive protests that affect public life.
He was speaking at the Manipur State Award for Literature, 2024 presentation ceremony held at the Palace Auditorium of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), organised by the Directorate of Language, Planning and Implementation, Government of Manipur.
The Chief Minister presented the Manipur State Lifetime Achievement Award for Literature, 2024 to Kangjam Ibohal Singh, popularly known as I.S. Kangjam, which carried a citation, shawl and cash award of Rs 4 lakh. He also conferred the Manipur State Award for Literature, 2024 to poet Arambam Ongbi Memchoubi for her poetry collection Thamamba Ahing, carrying a citation, shawl and cash prize of Rs 3 lakh. The Manipur State Young Writer’s Award for Literature, 2024 was presented to Akoijam Jiten for his book Khyum Nongdam Kao, which included a citation, shawl and cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.
Congratulating the awardees, Khemchand Singh said the government would always recognise and value their contributions to the literary field. He also expressed concern over the impact of prolonged unrest in the state over the past two to three years, noting that it had severely affected the economy, particularly daily wage earners.
He appealed to the public to avoid bandhs, blockades and shutdowns, stating that such actions disproportionately harm labourers and ordinary citizens. Referring to incidents of damage to public infrastructure during protests, including vandalism of iron railings installed along Tiddim Road, he urged citizens to refrain from activities that damage public property and tarnish the image of the state.
The Chief Minister further stressed that lasting development in Manipur can only be achieved through peace and harmony among communities, and called upon people to set aside differences and collectively work towards growth and stability.
Art and Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, speaking at the event, expressed concern over the delayed presentation of the 2024 awards due to the prevailing situation in the state. He lauded writers for their role in preserving cultural heritage and assured continued government support.
He also said development activities had suffered setbacks due to the recent crisis and urged the public to support efforts led by the Chief Minister to restore growth and normalcy.
Director of Language, Planning and Implementation L. Radhakanta Singh, senior officials, past awardees and prominent writers also attended the ceremony.
Notably, while the Manipur State Award for Literature has been conferred annually since 2008, the Lifetime Achievement Award and Young Writer’s Award were introduced this year for the first time.