The Writers’ Forum, Imphal has added another work to its literary journey with the publication of Mother Eagle and Other Folk Tales, an English translation of a Manipuri children’s book rooted in the rich tradition of folk tales.
Translated by Dr. Khumukcham Ajit Singh, Retired Associate Professor, the book brings into English the Manipuri children’s book Umaibi Amasung Atei Phungawarishing, originally written by Ngathem Ningol Kongbam (Ongbi) Ibeyaima Devi, a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi’s Bal Sahitya Purushkar Award.
The publication provides English-language readers with an opportunity to encounter stories originally written in Manipuri and connected to the region’s literary and cultural traditions.
A Continuing Translation Journey
Mother Eagle and Other Folk Tales is not Dr. Ajit’s first translation of the works of Ibeyaima Devi.
He had earlier translated the author’s award-winning book Sorarengi Machanupi Leimashang amasung Atei Phungawarishing into English as Soraren’s Youngest Daughter Leimashang and Other Folk Tales from Manipuri.
With these translations, Dr. Ajit continues to bring Manipuri children’s literature to a wider readership while retaining its connection to the language and cultural traditions from which the stories originated.
Book Released at Manipur Press Club
The formal release of Mother Eagle and Other Folk Tales was held on 2 October 2026 at 2:30 PM at the Loktak Hall of the Manipur Press Club, Imphal.
The event brought together writers, scholars, literary enthusiasts and members of the cultural community to mark the publication and celebrate another contribution to Manipuri literature.
The book was formally released by Irungbam Basanta, President of the Writers’ Forum, Imphal.
Also present on the occasion were Dilip Mayengbam, Vice President of the Forum; Dr. Khumukcham Ajit Singh, the translator; and M. Notilal, Secretary of the Forum.
Bringing Manipuri Folk Tales to a Wider Audience
Folk tales carry stories, imagination, values and memories from one generation to another. When such works are translated into another language, they can travel beyond their original linguistic boundaries and reach new readers.
Mother Eagle and Other Folk Tales is part of that literary journey. The translation gives English-language readers an opportunity to discover stories that were originally written in Manipuri, while helping preserve their connection to the literary traditions of Manipur.
For young readers, folk tales can also provide an accessible way to encounter the stories and cultural imagination of a community.
The publication of Mother Eagle and Other Folk Tales therefore marks another step in the translation and sharing of Manipuri literature, connecting stories written in Manipuri with readers beyond the language.