Indramani bags Heisnam Basantakumar Award Explore the written record call sounded

IMPHAL, Apr 23 (DIPR)
Heisnam Basantakumar Award 2022 was presented to eminent writer Naoroibam Indramani today during World Book Day 2022 celebration today at DIPR auditorium, Keishampat.
The function was organized by Sahitya Thoupang Lup (SATHOULUP), Imphal, Manipur.
The award was instituted in memory of late Heisnam Basantakumar by his son  Heisnam Balkrisna, Director, DIPR and his family. The award carries a sum of Rs 10,000/-, a citation and a shawl.
It may be mentioned that, in his short period of life, Late Heisnam Basantakumar (1950-1990) wrote a novel entitled "Mongpham" and poetry entitled "Basanta Paojel".
Speaking at the event litterateur Kangjam Radhakumar, IAS (Retd) said that the books written before the advent of Hinduism are seen as a forgotten chapter among the people of the State and “we need to venture into the history of Manipuri literature. We need to bridge the gap of Manipuri literature by exploring the written records,” he added.
He further said that the habit of reading books among the youth has decreased with the advancement in technology. “The world is in our palm today because of advancement in technology and we need to be in this flow. This is the time for e-books and e-library and we need to upload books written by eminent writers of the State to cater to the global audience,” he added.
Ksheterimayum Subadani, president, Leikol said that translation of the books “written in our language is very important to bridge the gap caused by language barrier. SATHOULUP needs to organize a programme for writers of the State to give them exposure and a platform for their works.”
A dictionary of English to Japanese to Manipuri compiled by  Ph Nandakumar was also released during the function.
Various poets also read out poems at the programme.
It may be mentioned that World Book Day is celebrated every year on April 23 to honour the great works by authors around the world. The special day has been marked by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an attempt to promote the love of reading, writing books, translation, publishing and copyright. This year ‘World Book Day 2022’ is celebrated under the theme ‘Read…So you never feel alone.’
Heisnam Balkrisna, Director, IPR,  Saratchand Thiyam, advisor, SATHOULUP, Members of SATHOULUP, lovers of literature and others attended the function.