The birth centenary of renowned Manipuri poet Laishram Samarendra was celebrated at the Agartala Press Club in Tripura on June 30, with eminent writers, scholars and literary enthusiasts from Manipur and Tripura paying tribute to his contributions to Manipuri literature and culture.
The programme was jointly organised by the Laishram Samarendra Birth Centenary Celebration Committee, Imphal, and the Patriotic Writers Forum (PAWF), Tripura.
Sahitya Akademi Award recipient Saratchand Thiyam attended the function as chief guest, while PAWF Tripura president Kshetrimayum Madhabi presided over the programme. General Secretary of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Tripura, Seleibam Khelamohan attended as the guest of honour.
The event opened with recitations of Samarendra’s poems Ching Kasi Ngashidi and Barunigi Ahing by his granddaughter Shija Yengkhom and Ishi March Akham.
A seminar on the life and works of Laishram Samarendra featured presentations by Sarda Laishram, Dr. Nando Ningombam, Wangkhem Birmangal and Tongbram Amarjit. The second session included a poets’ meet chaired by noted Tripura poet Thangjam Rathindra, with participation from 18 poets from Manipur and Tripura.
Addressing the gathering, Saratchand Thiyam said commemorating distinguished literary figures is a collective responsibility. He expressed hope that the centenary celebration would further strengthen cultural and literary ties between the Manipuri communities of Manipur and Tripura. He also called for similar commemorative programmes for literary stalwarts such as Kavi Chaoba, Hijam Anganghal, Kamal and other pioneers whose works have shaped Manipuri literature.
Rakesh Naorem said the year-long birth centenary celebrations, which began on July 20, 2025, were aimed at promoting Samarendra’s literary vision among Manipuri-speaking communities across the world. He noted that an international commemorative programme had earlier been held in Sylhet, Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Manipuri Sahitya Sangsad, and announced that the concluding function of the centenary celebrations would be held in Imphal on July 20.
Sharing personal memories, Samarendra’s daughter Sarda Laishram described him as a poet deeply devoted to literature whose writings reflected the past, present and future of Manipuri society. She said his life’s mission was to bring his poems and literary works to the people.
Dr. Nando Ningombam described Samarendra as a visionary poet who, decades ago, foresaw many of the social and political challenges confronting Manipur today. Wangkhem Birmangal of Tripura said Samarendra’s writings continue to inspire readers with their literary quality and farsighted vision, while Tongbram Amarjit recalled him as not only a distinguished poet but also an accomplished artist whose works continue to provoke thought and inspire generations.
Certificates of appreciation were presented to the participating poets and resource persons during the programme.
