SILCHAR, Sept 20: Noted Manipuri novelist Khetri Bir was felicitated with gifts and mementos by Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Assam, Cachar district committee, on Tuesday. A brief introduction about the life and achievement of Khetri Bir waspresented by Dr M Santi Kumar Singha, secretary of the Parishad. He said the advent of adventurous novel in Manipuri literature could well be attributed to Khetri Bir. An author of six novels and winner of seven awards, Khetri was honoured by Sahitya Akademi in 2011 for his book Nangbu Ngaibada.
Replying to the honour bestowed on him, Khetri Bir laid stress on peace and harmony at this critical juncture of society and the world at large which was passing through turbulence with dark shadows of violence. It was only through the study of good literature that the message of peace and harmony could be conveyed to the people around who are confused andconfounded. He at the same time pointed out that communal harmony and national integrity could be strengthened through the promotion of literature.
Referring to Barak Valley, Khetri Bir said being an abodeof multiple communities along with all the treasures ofnature, this region could be an inspiring force for making plots of good books and also for character-creation in all itsdimension. He called upon theyoung writers to take up writing as their noble missionin order to enrich Manipuri literature. He also added to say there was need for translation works in Manipuri literature. The felicitation programme presided over by L Manglemba Singha was alsoaddressed by K Bau Sungha, MNingamba Singha, Dr Th Poulen, Japan Singha, Brajabashi Singha and Dr Bidyasagar Singha. (SentinelAssam)