PAWF Celebrates 18th Foundation Day: Proposes Hijam Irawat Statue at Press Club, MLA Karam Shyam Stresses on Meetei Mayek

Lakhipuronline Digital Desk, February 8, 2026: In a significant move to preserve cultural heritage and honor historical icons, the Patriotic Writers Forum (PAWF), Manipur kicked off its 18th Annual General Conference and Foundation Day celebration today at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal. The three-day event, inaugurated by Langthabal Assembly Constituency MLA Karam Shyam, set the stage for crucial resolutions regarding the literary and historical future of the region.

Major Resolutions: Statue of Hijam Irawat and Historical Preservation

During the General Conference held in the morning, the PAWF took several landmark decisions. Most notably, the forum resolved to install a statue of the legendary Lamyanba Hijam Irawat within the Manipur Press Club complex by September of this year, subject to approval from the All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU).

Furthermore, the forum announced plans for a "Writers Study Tour" to trace the roots of Manipuris settled in Assam, Tripura, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and other parts of the globe. The body also passed a resolution urging the government to establish a fitting memorial at Mount Manipur (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) for the 23 martyrs, including King Kulachandra, who were exiled there after the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891.

MLA Karam Shyam: "Translating Works into Meetei Mayek is Essential"

Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, MLA Karam Shyam emphasized the urgent need to bridge the generational gap in literature. He highlighted that many valuable books written by past and present Manipuri authors are currently inaccessible to the younger generation who are schooled primarily in the native script.

In a compelling statement, MLA Karam Shyam remarked, "The valuable books that provide wisdom to our people must be translated and published in Meetei Mayek. It has become unavoidable. If the youth of today cannot read the history and literature of their land, we face a cultural crisis. The government must also allocate significant funds to support this cause."

He further lauded the PAWF for its initiative to install the statue of Lamyanba Hijam Irawat. "Installing a statue of Irawat, a pioneer not just in politics but in journalism and literature, at the Press Club complex would be a blessing for us all," he added.

Connecting Manipuris Across Borders

The event witnessed the participation of delegates from Assam and Tripura, reinforcing the forum's mission to connect Manipuris across different regions. Naoroibam Khamba Luwang, President of PAWF, presided over the function, with significant contributions from Patron Members Wahengbam Hemabati and Dr. Laishram Landhoni.

Other notable attendees included former Film Forum Manipur Chairman S. Mangoljao Singh, and advisory members from literary organizations in Hojai, Assam, and Tripura, highlighting the cross-state solidarity of the writers' community.

Upcoming Events: Protecting the Sangai and Loktak Lake

The celebration is set to continue tomorrow, February 9. Delegates will visit the Keibul Lamjao National Park to assess the condition of the endangered Sangai deer, followed by a prayer at the Moirang Iputhou Thangjing Laikon.

Later in the day, a "National Poets Meet" will be held at Loktak Patyai under the evocative theme "Loktak Kansi, Manipurgi Shaktam Ngaksi" (Let us save Loktak, Let us protect Manipur’s identity), combining literary pursuit with environmental advocacy.

✍️ Published by Lakhipuronline Team