It is not every day that a writer brings out four books at the exact same time. But on 12 August, Wednesday afternoon, author Jayanta Konthoujam did just that. The Patriotic Writers Forum (PAWF) Manipur hosted a special book launch at the Loktak Hall of the Manipur Press Club in Imphal, bringing together writers, thinkers, and language lovers to celebrate local literature.
The event saw the release of four poetry collections written by Konthoujam:
- Thawai Pareng
- Ahingi Thabal
- Wakhal Machu
- Anouba Mahao
According to reports from the venue, the gathering was packed with respected names from the region's literary circles. Sahitya Akademi Award winner Saratchand Thiyam attended as the Chief Guest. PAWF Manipur President Naoroibam Khamba Luwang led the event, while RK Nayansana Devi, former Chairperson of the Manipur State Social Welfare Board, joined as the Special Guest.
The Month of the Mother Tongue
The timing of this book release holds special meaning for the Manipuri speaking community. August is a historic month for the language. Decades ago, after a long public movement across Manipur, Assam, and Tripura, the Indian government finally recognized Manipuri in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution on August 20, 1992.
Speaking at the release, Chief Guest Saratchand Thiyam reminded the crowd about this important date. He noted that publishing four books in a single go during this special month brings pride to the community.
“Our language and literature stay alive because writers keep publishing in our mother tongue. The good books we write today will become the history of tomorrow. It is very important for today's writers to create valuable books for the coming generations,” Thiyam said.
Local critics also took the stage to review the new works. Dr. Sarata Chandra Longzomba shared his thoughts on Thawai Pareng and Ahingi Thabal, breaking down the themes of the poems. Soon after, poet and translator Tongbram Amarjit spoke about the writing style found in Wakhal Machu and Anouba Mahao.
From Hand-Written Pages to Printed Books
Bringing these books to life was a family effort. Anand Meitram, the publisher and the author's nephew, shared his personal experience of getting the books ready. He spoke openly about the hard work involved in turning his uncle's hand-written pages into final printed copies.
“There were many struggles along the way while converting the raw manuscripts,” Meitram explained. “But seeing them as physical books today makes all that pain go away. I am very happy to play a small part in adding to Manipuri literature.”
Building Bridges and the PAP Issue
Beyond the poetry, the event turned to a serious discussion about the physical borders separating Manipuri people. The Manipuri diaspora is spread far beyond the state, with large populations living in Assam's Barak Valley, Tripura, and across international borders in Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Rakesh Naorem, the Secretary of PAWF Manipur, gave the keynote address. He explained that his group works to promote the language and culture in all these regions, using literature as a bridge to unite people. However, he pointed out a major legal roadblock.
Naorem strongly urged the Indian Government to remove the Protected Area Permit (PAP) system in Manipur. For context, the PAP is an official travel document that foreign nationals need to enter certain restricted areas in India. Because of this rule, Manipuris living in Bangladesh face huge difficulties when trying to visit Manipur for cultural exchange or family visits.
Organizers at the event argued that dropping the PAP requirement for these visitors would strengthen the bond between the people of Bangladesh and Manipur.
The launch event wrapped up with a shared feeling of purpose. Whether it is through writing new poetry or pushing for better cross-border travel rules, the focus remains clear: keeping the community and its stories connected.
✍️ Published by Lakhipuronline Team
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