The felicitation took place during the 68th Foundation Day Celebration and Annual Awards presentation of The Cultural Forum, Manipur. Held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy Auditorium within the DM University Campus in Imphal, the event witnessed the gathering of literary giants, cultural icons, and prominent state dignitaries.
Background & Context: A Celebration of Cultural Heritage
The Cultural Forum, Manipur, recognized by the Sahitya Akademi, stands as one of the premier institutions dedicated to the promotion of Manipuri literature, art, and culture. Since its inception, the forum has meticulously recognized scholars and artists who dedicate their lives to enriching regional heritage.
This year’s 68th Foundation Day was graced by Shri Khuraijam Loken Singh, the Honourable Minister of Art & Culture and Tourism, Government of Manipur, as the Chief Guest. The event also saw the presence of esteemed personalities like Prof. Thoidingjam Tombi Singh, Manipur's first Lalit Kala Akademi Awardee, and Shri Pukhrambam Bilash Singh, Director of the host academy, serving as Guests of Honour.
A total of 35 distinguished individuals from various disciplines—including classical music, Lai Haraoba (traditional Manipuri festival dance), translation, and science writing—were honoured. Among this elite list, the recognition of an academic from Silchar underscores the deep-rooted cultural ties between Assam and Manipur.
Prof. Haobam Nani Kumar Singha: A Pillar of Manipuri Literature in Assam
Prof. Haobam Nani Kumar Singha, a resident of Ithkola Manipuri Para in Silchar, Cachar, has long been a driving force in literary circles. He is a senior Professor within the Department of Manipuri at Assam University, Silchar, where he has mentored countless students and researchers.
Beyond his teaching duties, Prof. Singha holds the vital administrative office of Dean for the Rabindranath Tagore School of Indian Languages and Cultural Studies at the university. His academic leadership has been instrumental in elevating regional language studies, ensuring that minority languages and traditional knowledge systems receive rigorous scholarly attention.
His receipt of the Khaidem Chingthoi Singh & Gambhini Devi Memorial Award specifically acknowledges his extensive research and documentation of folklore outside the territorial boundaries of Manipur, securing oral histories that might otherwise be lost to time.
Impact on Local Community / Region: Bridging Barak Valley and Manipur
This recognition is not just a personal milestone for Prof. Singha but a moment of collective pride for Barak Valley. Cachar district is home to a significant Manipuri diaspora, whose ancestors migrated centuries ago. Maintaining their linguistic and cultural identity while integrating into the broader Assamese framework requires immense dedication from community leaders and scholars.
When institutions like Assam University facilitate such high-level academic work, it acts as a cultural bridge. Prof. Singha’s award validates the academic rigor being cultivated in Silchar. It signals to young scholars in Barak Valley that their research into local dialects, indigenous folklore, and regional literature holds national and cross-state significance.
The Significance of Folklore Studies in Northeast India
For those outside academic circles, "Folklore Studies" might sound like a simple collection of old tales. However, in the context of Northeast India, it is a critical scientific discipline. Many indigenous communities in the region possess rich oral traditions rather than written historical records.
Folklore encompasses traditional beliefs, customs, folk songs, myths, and agricultural practices passed down verbally. Scholars like Prof. Singha act as cultural archivists. By documenting these oral traditions and subjecting them to academic analysis, they preserve the unwritten history, ecological knowledge, and social structures of marginalized communities before they are erased by rapid modernization and globalization.
Why This Matters / Key Takeaways
- Cross-Border Recognition: The award highlights the strong literary and cultural network that exists between the intellectual circles of Assam and Manipur.
- Academic Validation: It brings spotlight to the Rabindranath Tagore School of Indian Languages and Cultural Studies at Assam University, showcasing the high caliber of its faculty.
- Preservation of Heritage: Awards dedicated to "Folklore" emphasize the urgent need to document indigenous knowledge systems across Northeast India.
- Community Pride: For the Manipuri community residing in Barak Valley, such achievements reinforce their cultural identity and contributions to Indian literature.
The grand ceremony in Imphal concluded with the release of the RITU Journal and a deep remembrance of the forum's senior life members. As Prof. Singha returns to his academic responsibilities in Silchar, his achievement will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of university students to explore, document, and cherish their linguistic roots and indigenous narratives.
✍️ Published by Lakhipuronline Team
