Lakhipuronline Digital Desk : A historic event unfolded at Banga Bhawan Silchar as Manipuri author Natbhushan Maimom Angouton (Kalen) Singh’s book ‘Manipurer Etibrittyo’ (written in Bengali) and three other Manipuri books—’Nupilaan’ , ‘Sankirtan Madhuri’ , and ‘Shamu Lamsha Amasung Karta Jay Singh’ —were unveiled. The program was jointly organized by the Cachar District Committee of Barak Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan and the Maimom Tamal Thambal Memorial Charitable Trust.
The event was presided over by Sanjib Deb Laskar, president of the Cachar District Committee of Barak Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan. Notable attendees included chief guest L Biramangol Singh, president of Tripura Manipuri Sahitya Parishad; Dr. Phuritsabam Birmani Singh, President-elect of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Assam; Dr. KN Chand Singh, member of Manipuri Language Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi; Professor Tapodhir Bhattacharjee, former vice-chancellor of Assam University; and poet-journalist Atin Das.
The program commenced with a 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 highlighted the significance of the event as a landmark day fostering relationships among communities. In his address, he praised the multilingual efforts of Barak Banga and the dedication of Kalen Singh and his son, Dr. M. Shantikumar Singh, secretary of the Maimom Tamal Thambal Memorial Trust.
The second book, Nupilaan, which documents the historic women’s revolts in Manipur and beyond, was unveiled by Dr. KN Chand Singh. Literary figure Sahitya Bhushan IS Thingom presented the book’s introduction, emphasizing its importance as a testament to women’s resilience.
Dr. Phuritsabam Birmani Singh released the third book, Sankirtan Madhuri. The author, Chongtham Gour Singh, elaborated on the philosophical and cultural depth of Manipuri Sankirtan festivals captured in the book.
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, including Dr. Bibhas Deb, principal of GC College, Silchar, and JAKALCA president Nirmal Kumar Das, lauded 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 closing remarks, expressed gratitude to all contributors and attendees. He invited feedback for future revisions of his books and announced plans for the Bengali release of Cheitharol Kumbaba: Chronicles of Manipur.
The event marked a milestone in fostering cultural unity, with the organizers gifting all attendees copies of Kalen Singh’s books.