The shimmering waters of Loktak Lake served as both a muse and a solemn reminder today as the Patriotic Writers Forum (PAWF), Manipur marked its 18th Foundation Day. In a unique blend of literary celebration and ecological activism, the forum organized a National Poets Meet at the Hotel Emerel Auditorium, situated right on the banks of the iconic lake.
Held under the poignant theme, "Loktak Kanshi, Manipurgi Shaktam Ngakshi" (Let's Save Loktak, Let's Protect Manipur's Identity), the event brought together voices from across the region to address two critical issues: the environmental degradation of Manipur’s greatest natural treasure and the preservation of Manipuri identity amidst changing times.
A Call to Save the Soul of Manipur
The event was inaugurated by PAWF President Naoroibam Khamba Luwang, with the session presided over by Chongtham Ongbi Subadani, President of The Leikol. However, the spotlight was firmly on the urgent message delivered by the Chief Guest, Khoisnam Ongbi Birola, a member of the Manipuri Language Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi.
In her address, Birola expressed deep concern over the current state of Loktak Lake. She noted that the encroaching biomass (phumdis) and pollution are slowly erasing the lake's pristine beauty. "Loktak is not just a water body; it is a global identity for us. Seeing its beauty fade is disheartening," she remarked. "It requires a collective effort from everyone to restore the lake to its former glory."
She praised the initiative of bringing poets from Assam, Tripura, and Manipur together on a single platform. "This National Poets Meet is a commendable step. By using the power of words, these writers are spreading awareness about the lake's condition to the world," she added.
The Role of the Diaspora
Beyond ecology, the gathering touched upon the sensitive cord of unity among the Meetei community scattered across different states. Birola emphasized that the Meetei diaspora living outside Manipur plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the state's identity.
"Manipur has weathered many storms over the last three years," Birola stated. "The responsibility to protect our identity lies heavily on the shoulders of Meeteis living outside the state as well. If the integrity of Manipur is compromised, the diaspora will inevitably face the ripples of that crisis. We must stand united to prevent our identity from fracturing."
Preserving Language and Culture
Rakesh Naorem, Secretary of PAWF, Manipur, echoed these sentiments, describing Loktak as the "soul" of the state. He issued a strong condemnation of any forces threatening Manipur's integrity but also turned the focus inward, toward cultural preservation within families.
"Preserving our language, culture, and identity is a battle we must fight ourselves," Naorem urged. He made a heartfelt appeal to families to prioritize their mother tongue. "We must not be ashamed to speak our own language. Instead of 'Papa, Mom, Uncle, Aunty,' let us embrace the sweetness of 'Ima, Ipa, Iton, Indomcha.' If we stop speaking our language at home, it will eventually vanish."
He specifically advised those living outside Manipur to maintain their linguistic roots. "When you are out in the market or at work, you may speak the local language. But once you cross the threshold of your home, let the conversations with your children be in your mother tongue."
To capture the spirit of the day, a participant from Tripura shared, "Standing by the waters of Loktak, words flow differently. We aren't just writing poems today; we are writing pleas to save our heritage."
Looking Ahead
The literary session saw 24 poets from Manipur, Assam, and Tripura reciting verses dedicated to the beauty of Loktak and the resilience of Manipur.
The 18th Foundation Day celebrations will conclude on February 10 at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal. The closing ceremony will be graced by Wangkhei AC MLA Thangjam Arunkumar Singh. The event will also honor various achievers, including Sahitya Akademi Award winner Haobam Satyabati, and welcome new patron members and life members to the forum.
✍️ Published by Lakhipuronline Team
