A two-day international seminar on contemporary Manipuri literature, titled “Houjikkee Manipuri Khorinol: Manung Amasung Mapan” (Contemporary Manipuri Literature within & Beyond Borders), began today at the Conference Hall of the Institute of Co-operative Management (ICM), Lamphelpat, Imphal.
Organised by The Leikol (Leimarol Khorjeikol), Imphal, the seminar brings together writers, scholars, academics and literary practitioners to examine the changing character of contemporary Manipuri literature, its relevance in the present context and its growing engagement with readers and literary communities beyond Manipur.
The seminar, being held on September 12 and 13, provides a forum for deliberations on emerging literary trends, contemporary concerns and the evolving position of Manipuri literature within the wider literary landscape. Discussions are also expected to explore how Manipuri writers and literary works negotiate questions of identity, culture, language and geographical boundaries.
Thangjam Arunkumar Singh, MLA of 15-Wangkhei Assembly Constituency, attended the inaugural function as Chief Guest. Ch. Subadani Devi, President of Leikol; Dr Munish Ningthoujam, Zonal Director, ICCR, North Eastern Region, Ministry of External Affairs; Sunanda Thokchom, Secretary of Manipur State Kala Akademi; and Dr Kh. Ramanando Bheigyachandra, Director, ICM, Imphal, also participated in the inaugural programme.
The organisers said the seminar seeks to create a meaningful platform for critical engagement with contemporary Manipuri literature and to encourage dialogue among writers, researchers and literary practitioners from different backgrounds.
The theme of the seminar places particular focus on the relationship between the literary world within Manipur and the expanding readership and literary networks outside the state. It also seeks to examine the opportunities and challenges confronting Manipuri literature as it reaches audiences across geographical and linguistic boundaries.
