Lakhipuronline Digital Desk : This is what happened for the first time in the history of Banga Bhawan Silchar: the unveiling of Manipuri author Natbhushan Maimom Angouton (Kalen) Singh’s book ‘Manipurer Etibrittyo’ in Bengali and three other books from Manipur—’Nupilaan’, ‘Sankirtan Madhuri’, ‘Shamu Lamsha Amasung Karta Jay Singh’. The programme was a collaboration between the Cachar District Committee of Barak Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan and Maimom Tamal Thambal Memorial Charitable Trust.
Cachar District Committee of Barak Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan was presided over by the president of Cachar district committee, Sanjib Deb Laskar. Other noticeable personalities who came as guests at the event are chief guest, L Biramangol Singh, president Tripura Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Dr. Phuritsabam Birmani Singh, elected president of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Assam, Dr KN Chand Singh-manipuri Advisory Board, New Delhi, SAHITYA AKADEM, Prof Tapon Deobroto Bhattacharya of Assam university and poet-reporter Atin Das.
The program started with the performance of the traditional Manipuri folk dance Kwatha Famkaba by M. Machathoibi. The unveiling began with Manipur’s History, introduced by the chief guest L Biramangol Singh. He described the book as a vital document chronicling Manipur’s history, folklore, and cultural evolution, providing valuable insights for future researchers.
Professor Tapodhir Bhattacharjee described the day as an event of immense importance in bringing people together across communities. In his speech, he complimented Barak Banga for the multilingual work, Kalen Singh for his tireless effort, and his son, Dr. M. Shantikumar Singh, secretary of the Maimom Tamal Thambal Memorial Trust.
The second book, Nupilaan, on the historic women’s revolts in Manipur and elsewhere, was released by Dr. KN Chand Singh. Sahitya Bhushan IS Thingom presented the introduction to the book, while focusing on how it is significant as a testimonial to women’s strength.
The third book, Sankirtan Madhuri, was released by Dr. Phuritsabam Birmani Singh. Author Chongtham Gour Singh elaborated on the depth of Manipuri Sankirtan festivals covered in the book in terms of philosophy and culture.
The final book, Shamu Lamsha Amasung Karta Jay Singh, was introduced by Professor Tapodhir Bhattacharjee. Dr. KN Chand Singh highlighted the book’s exploration of King Bhagyachandra of Manipur and his unique alliance with the Ahom ruler, symbolized by the capture of a rogue elephant.
Speakers, such as Dr. Bibhas Deb, principal of GC College, Silchar, and JAKALCA president Nirmal Kumar Das, praised the event for promoting harmony and multilingualism. A multilingual poetry session featuring poets like L Lily Devi, Adima Mazumdar, and others further enriched the occasion.
In his presidential address, Sanjib Deb Laskar described the Manipuris as a “rare bloom” in Barak Valley’s demography. He shared how Captain Thomas had settled Manipuris near Bengali villages to protect them and emphasized the Manipuri community’s historical role in safeguarding others. Addressing the current unrest in Manipur, he called for united efforts to overcome the crisis.
Kalen Singh, in his concluding speech, thanked all the contributors and participants. He sought feedback for revising his books in the future and even announced to release Cheitharol Kumbaba: Chronicles of Manipur in Bengali.
The festival witnessed a landmark moment of cultural bonding, while the organizers gifted Kalen Singh’s books to every participant.