Imphal, September 3, 2026: The Writers’ Forum, Imphal celebrated its 39th Foundation Day at the Manipur Hindi Parishad Hall, Old Assembly Road, Imphal, with a programme highlighting literary achievement, young talent and the continuing contribution of the Forum to Manipuri literature and culture.
The celebration was organized by the Writers’ Forum, Imphal in collaboration with the Manipur State Kala Akademi (MSKA), Imphal. Naorem Praveen Singh, Secretary (Art & Culture/MI/CADD/YAS), attended the programme as the Chief Guest, while Irungbam Basanta, President of Writers’ Forum, Imphal, presided over the function. Members of the Forum also paid homage and offered floral tributes to departed members, remembering their valuable contributions to the literary community.
A major feature of the Foundation Day celebration was the State Level Recitation Competition for Class IX and X students and the Written Quiz Competition for Class IX and XII students. The programme, which has been continuing since 2013, aims to encourage literary interest and participation among younger generations.
State Level Recitation Competition
The winners of the State Level Recitation Competition were:
- First Prize: Laishram Geetanjali Devi, Diligent Public School, Moirang
- Second Prize: Manganbisana Ngathem, Pitambara English School
- Third Prize: Leishangthem George Singh, Pitambara English School
- Consolation Prize: Sanjram Javia Devi, Irilbung High School
- Consolation Prize: Salam Shilpa Chanu, Impetus School
- Consolation Prize: Yumlembam Bemma Devi, St. Paul English School
The first, second and third prizes carried ₹5,000, ₹4,000 and ₹3,000 respectively, while each consolation prize carried ₹1,000. The recitation prizes were sponsored by Gurumayum Shantikumari Devi, proprietor of Poknapham Daily.
Written Quiz Competition
The winners of the Written Quiz Competition were:
- First Prize: Khangjrakpam Panthoisana, T.G. Higher Secondary School
- Second Prize: Tosan Singh Khagokpam, Herbert School
- Third Prize: Linthoi Laishram, Prism Academia
- Consolation Prize: Konjengbam Santosh Singh, Prism Academia
- Consolation Prize: Moirangthem Nisha Chanu, Prism Academia
- Consolation Prize: Shrinivash Nameirakpam, Herbert School
The first, second and third prizes carried ₹4,000, ₹3,000 and ₹2,000 respectively, while each consolation prize carried ₹1,000. The Written Quiz prizes were sponsored by Shri Angom Sukumar Singh, Former Law Secretary, Government of Manipur.
Felicitation of Award-Winning Members
A special felicitation ceremony was also held to honour members of the Forum who had received national, state and prestigious literary organization awards and prizes.
The members felicitated included Thoidingjam Tombi Singh, Kshetri Sanajaoba, Kangjam Ibohal Singh (I. S. Kangjam), Keisham Priyokumar, Yumlembam Ibomcha, R.K. Bhubonsana, Haobam Nalini Devi, Arambam Memchoubi, Manaobi M. M., Meghachandra Kongbam, Dilip Mayengbam, Nahakpam Aruna, Mairembam Devdas, Budhichandra Heisnam and Wahengbam Romen Meitei.
The honours recognized achievements in literature, translation, creative writing, literary criticism and other areas of literary and cultural work, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, Manipur State Awards, Manipur State Kala Akademi Awards and Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Release of Sahityagi Pao and Loibee Cheenggum Lengdana
The Foundation Day programme also witnessed the release of the 133rd edition of Sahityagi Pao, the quarterly literary publication of the Writers’ Forum.
The Meitei Mayek edition of Loibee Cheenggum Lengdana by Imojeet Ningombam, a recipient of the MSKA Award in 2022, was also released during the programme. The publication releases marked another milestone in the Forum’s continuing efforts to promote literature and creative expression in Manipur.
Recent Literary Publication: Ukhruldei in Meitei Mayek
The Foundation Day celebration followed another significant literary initiative by the Writers’ Forum, Imphal. On August 21, 2026, the Forum released Ukhruldei, a travelogue by Lamabam Viramani, in Meitei Mayek. The book is the recipient of the Jamini Sundar Guha Gold Medal, 1998.
The book was released at a simple ceremony held at the office premises of the Writers’ Forum, Imphal, at Nagamapal Lamabam Leikai, Imphal. The function was graced by Sahitya Akademi Award-winning poet Yumlembam Ibomcha and Prof. Chungkham Yashawanta, former Dean of Humanities, Manipur University, as Special Guests.
Following the book release, writers and well-wishers present at the gathering also observed the 78th birthday of renowned poet Yumlembam Ibomcha, making the occasion both a literary and celebratory gathering.
Continuing Commitment to Manipuri Literature
The activities surrounding the 39th Foundation Day reflect the Writers’ Forum, Imphal’s continuing commitment to literature and cultural expression. From encouraging young students through literary competitions to recognizing accomplished writers and bringing important works to readers through publication, the Forum continues to provide a platform for literary engagement in Manipur.
The Foundation Day celebration reaffirmed the Forum’s dedication to nurturing literary talent, preserving cultural heritage, encouraging young writers and readers, promoting Manipuri literature and fostering a vibrant literary community.
