Tag: Art

The cast and crew of the much acclaimed 3D film “Life of Pi” shared their experiences about different aspects of the movie in a press conference here. Producer of the film David Womark said that the film which will be released in the US theatres today, celebrates the power of story-telling. He said, the Director of the film Ang Lee worked for four years on the script. Replying to a question on the rationale for making the film in 3D mode, David said, a lot of factors like story line, visual level and water works were responsible for this.

Irrfan Khan, star of the film described the movie a long and a memorable journey and asserted that different stories were woven together in the movie, which can be seen from different angles. Tabu also narrated her experience saying that though she played a very small role in the film but it was very satisfying to work with a master story teller like Ang Lee. In reply to a question, she said, the story is bigger than any character in the film.

Earlier, Life of Pi was screened as the opening film at 43rd International Film Festival of India, IFFI, at Goa, last evening where the cast and crew of the film were present at Kala Academy. Based on the Booker Prize winning novel by Yann Martel, Life of Pi tells the story of a young man’s incredible survival at sea against almost impossible odds.

A remarkable technological breakthrough in 3D, the film is an emotionally captivating experience that will inspire, touch and transport audiences to a place of discovery that they will never forget. Filmed primarily on locations in India and Taiwan, nearly two-hour movie narrates the story of a young boy, who is adrift in the Pacific Ocean for more than 200 days with a Bengal Tiger. Apart from the new comer Suraj Sharma, other stars of the film include Irrfan Khan, Tabu, Rafe Spall and Gerard Depardieu.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/life-of-pi-celebrates-the-power-of-story-telling-david-womark/

Manipur Information Centre
New Delhi , November 16
The 11-day National Theatre Festival for Children Festival organized by the National School of Drama will kick off on November 18 at 6 pm at Abhimanch, here with the Bangla play- Dakghar directed by Susanta Mondal. Noted Hindi actor Mohan Agashe will inaugurate the festival.
Held every alternate year, this 11th edition of the Festival will have 17 plays- a mix of fantasies, history, comedy and social issues in nine different languages performed by children.
The festival will also have performances by special children. Three plays will be performed by them including Dakghar as the opening performance. The play is about a boy named Amal who desperately waits for a letter from the king knowing him to be the greatest authority of the land. He firmly believes that the king will write to him. The play’s dialogues are very much like the lines of a poem that goes on forming a story as it proceeds.
Hindi play- Dastaan-e-Dilli directed by Feisal Alkazi and Radhika Alkazi, again by special children, will mark the end of the festival on November 28. The play opens with a delightful re-telling of Krishna and his childhood exploits on the banks of the Yamuna off Kalindi Kunj and it will end with a vision of ‘Dilli’ in the future seen through the eyes of its special children.
There will be theatre groups from Assam, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Sikkim, Delhi, Kerala, Manipur and Tamil Nadu. Interactive sessions with play directors and artistes will take place daily during the festival. Free passes will be available at the reception of National School of Drama from Sunday. Entry on the day of the performance will be on first-come-first-serve.
The Delhites will witness four plays from the North Eastern states. Manipuri play-Meenam Charadi Laina Shao-e directed by Ningombam Jadumani of the Blooming Cultural Akademy of Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association, Irilbung, Manipur to be staged on November 24 at 5.30 pm at Sammukh is based on the popular Manipuri folk tale – Sanshelnaha Keina Chaba (The Cowherd Killed by a Tiger).
The 55- minute play tells the story of Manithoiba, the only son of his parents, who grows up to be a cheat and a liar. Though his friends keep telling him that god hates cheats, he does not heed their warnings. Parents also always defend their son in front of others and quarrel with those who come with complaints about him.
One day, Manithoiba comes across a tiger near a hill and tells everyone, but because of his reputation no one believes him.
On another day when Manithoiba and his friend, Tompak, are together, the tiger attacks and catches Manithoiba. Tompok cries for help, and it is only because everyone knows he always tells the truth, that people rush to the spot and drive away the tiger, thus saving Manithoiba.
Realising the importance of telling the truth, Manithoiba mends his ways and starts believing that God never helps those who lie.
Assamese play- Andharat Xihotor Mukhbur directed by Krishna Bhuyan of Padamjyoti Moina Parijat, Rajbari, Assam will be staged on November 19 at 5.30 pm at Shri Ram Centre.The 56-minute play focusses on the children living in slums. They are human beings but become the slaves of their surroundings. They can’t differentiate between right and wrong and are pawn in the hands of anti-socials.
Joy, Radha, Pintu and Raghu live in such a slum and survive by doing minor works. Chacha the policeman treats them like his own children. Pintu and Raghu adopt unfair and unlawful business to fulfill their high ambitions. They are in danger. With the help of “Chacha”, they are set free and return to the slum. In the meantime some children bring the good news that they will get a chance to be educated at night schools.
Another Assamese play- Budduram directed by Bhagirathi of Seagull Theatre & Shishu Sarothi, Assam, is the performance by the special children to be staged on November 20 at 6.30 pm at Abhimanch. The 80- minute play is about learning to laugh.
Today people have forgotten how to laugh, and how our ancestors laughed, so has disappeared the merry-making of adults and children. A shadow of fear seems to follow all. Every day we hear and see news of riots, abuse, explosions, etc., in the newspapers, radio, T.V., etc. even the T.V. serials depict the same picture. Seeing and hearing all these have resulted in the heaviness of heart and deterioration of mental growth.
Among all, the people and children of the Northeast are worst affected by the fear. Laughing, playing, beautiful dreams, creative thoughts – everything have disappeared.
The play is about to spread laughter for some time, forgetting all stress through “Buddhuram”, to enable everyone to forget all their tensions and sadness for some time, watching the production full of laughter and happiness. The play director believes that if laughter ends, the whole human race will come to an end.
Nepali Play-Shahi Fitta Lal Directed by Manish Saini of The Sikkim Theatre Training Centre, Gangtok, Sikkim will be staged on November22 at 5.30 pm at Shri Ram Centre.
The 60 -minute play is the presentation inspired by some stories of Mulla Nasiruddin. The trampy, turmoil, chaos and corruption are on its peak. People are remembering Mulla who uses to challenge the authority and help the people. But he has been in exile eight years back. He returns to his country in disguise. With his cleverness and wisdom, he succeeds in convicting to stop the corrupt practice and helps the poor people.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/festival-for-children-to-kick-off-on-nov-18-meenam-charadi-to-be-staged-on-24/

AIZAWL, Nov 14 NNN : Mizoram based band Boomarang is set to rock Hanoi (Vietnam) on the night of November 17 at the India Festival organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (INCHAM). The concert by the rock band from Mizoram will take place exactly at 9 pm at the American Club, 19-21, Hai Ba Trung Street, Hanoi.
Besides the concert, the band will officially launched its debut album titled BOOMARANG, which will be released by His Excellency Ranjit Rae, Ambassador of India to Vietnam. The event has been widely announced by various Vietnam newspapers and websites. The expectation is high in Hanoi as Boomarang has established itself as one of the best rock bands in India, recently performed with the American band Korn in Gurgaon, India.
Boomarang will perform most of the songs from its debut album. “Music is universal, but with our genre of ‘junk rock’ it will be like testing new waters in Hanoi. I am sure we will relate our music to everyone. We are just excited”, Boom, guitarist of the band said.
Boomarang is sure to raise Hanoi’s temperature high with its maiden foreign gig and its debut album that that will be released outside its home state and the country. “We are toasting the frontiers that music does not have. We just wanted to take everything against the limit of boundary, which is why Boomarang’s debut album is set to be released in Hanoi. Music is a revolution and we are exactly representing that”, Award winning Journalist, researcher and writer, David Buhril, also Boomarang’s manager for Hanoi said.
“The songs that we will be performing in Hanoi, which are very much part of the album, are like our first offspring. They are inevitably about us and strongly represents our musical identity. It will be a revelation to the bigger world about who we are and what we are”, Atea, vocalist of Boomarang said.
Boomarang’s trip to Hanoi will be without its original bassist, Joshua, as he is heavily engaged and has to carry out responsibilities for his brother’s wedding that coincidentally clashed with Hanoi’s date. Laltlankima Thangluah (Valpuia) will take the place of Joshua for the Hanoi tour.
Besides the gig, giant music promoters from Vietnam has been looking forward to witness Boomarang’s performance. “Its unoffcial still, but we will be knocking the doors to crack South-East Asia with the Hanoi tour. We are trying to go much ahead of the big talk of ‘Look East Policy’ with our music”, David Buhril said as he crossed his fingers.David Buhril, Boomarang’s manager for Hanoi, thanked John Ruolngul, First Secretary, Embasy of India for all his endeavours, INCHAM, and Lal Thanhawla, Chief Minister of Mizoram for extending all supports for the trip. The band is also grateful to all its fans, families for all the support. Boomarang will be leaving Aizawl on November 15 for Hanoi.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizo-band-for-vietnam-concert/

IMPHAL, Nov 1 NNN : Grandson of Manipur King Leishemba Sanajaoba called for revival of the ancient rites, rituals and practices of the Meitei religion, Sanamahi by emulating the lesson of the resurgence of Japan which rose rapidly to lead the world in the field of electronics even as the United States had earlier devastated the country with atom bombs.
Speaking as the Chief Guest on the 280th ‘Puwarigi Amamba Numit’ or the anniversary of the day when the Puya (holy book) was set on fire by the Hindu Pandit, Santidas Gosai on October 5, 1732 AD during the reign of King Panheiba, he said that any negative perception of he past event would not bring about resurgence of the old religion.
However, reflecting on the negative impact and by the destruction for filling up any gap left by such action needs to be done, he said. Steps of the forefathers could be retraced, if people keep themselves ritually clean through traditions, food habits, etc, he observed on the occasion which bear the theme, ‘Dignified Integrity’ which was organized by ACOAM – Lup of Kangleipak comprising of the All Club, Association and Meira Paibi Lup at Iboyaima Shumang Lila Shanglen of Konung Mamang today.
Addressing the gatherings, filled with many dignitaries as a resource persons, research scholar Akham Langol dwelt on the rich past of Manipur and viewed the people as the first evolutionary group as attested by the discovery of one of the oldest fossil in Myanmar which is similar to the hills of the state and where there is possibility of such discovery. Discovery of 6 gold coins from the mine of Manipur which is now in the British museum and the history of grains export into Nagaland and other places lend credence to its rich history, he said.
It was not only Shanti Das Goshai who destroyed the rich heritage of Manipur but the British also joined in the same bandwagon by burning many valuable documents, remarked Dr M Ranjana, lecturer of Standard College as a resource person. She said that degeneration began from Sanditas till the British era, nonetheless, time for resurrecting and regenerating the old culture and tradition of the past has come, she noted. Puyas are books that focused on every aspects of life, including health, food and others, said Pandit Wahengbam Lukhoi as a resource person.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/revival-of-sanamahi/

IMPHAL, Nov 1 NNN : “Manipur government recognized 23 tribes in the State but only 6-7 tribes have their own literature books. Even though some of the books are included at the high school level, the number is less,” said Solomon Zingkhai, Joint Director of Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Manipur.
He was speaking as the functional president during a book release function organized by the Kabui Literature and Research Akademi, Manipur which was held at Lamyanba Shanglen today.
The two books which got released are “ Asah-Mikcharung Pari” and “ Kabuimei Thousoi Gansaak “ authored by Laljikpou Golmei and Leipakpok Palmei respectively.
While lauding the two writers for penning books based on the Kabui, Solomon Zingkhai said though there are many well educated tribal people in the State, the number of writers is low.
He then informed that the Tribal Research Institute has been producing six research students every year in a bid to promote the literature subject.
The book release function was also attended by Shoihem Haomei, chairman of Autonomous District Council, Tamenglong and M. Kamala Devi, Under Secretary of Tribal Affairs and Hills, Manipur as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, Soihem Haomei stated that the two books will help in studying about the Kabui community by the present and future generation and urged writers of the State to focus more on indigenous tribes of the State
“Writers need to write their stories without fear and suspicion. Errors and other technical problems can be corrected and discussed after publishing the books”, he said.
While urging writers to focus their writings mainly on indigenous subjects, M. Kamala Devi said there are many interesting folk tale oriented stories in the State where writers can include in their story books.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/literary-works-of-tribals/

Imphal, Sept 22 NNN : Around 3000 Nagas participated in the gala cultural treat at Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi where Naga artists both from Delhi, Nagaland, Manipur, Myanmar and elsewhere showcased their numbers. Guru Rewben Mashangva and his son Saka from Manipur, Alobo Naga and the band from Nagaland, Redolent from Tamenglong (Manipur), Purple Fusion from Dimapur (Nagaland) and others enthralled the crowd at the stadium.
Naga youths residing in New Delhi formed a committee called ‘Nagafest’ and organised the event with the purpose of togetherness among the Nagas in the national capital.
The event was sponsored by Indigenous Foundation based in the United States of America.
Naga folk blues promoter Guru Rewben Mashangva said he was happy that he could not win in the recently concluded Manipur Panchayat election where he was a candidate. Rewben Mashangva flew to New Delhi for the “Nagafest” a day after the poll results were declared.
“I was not ready to join politics. I succumbed to the pressures from elders and people in my locality to be in fray in the Panchayat poll. Politics is a new craft for me. I was a novice in the field. I jumped into the fray in the 11th hour,” confessed Guru Rewben Mashangva. He however, alleged that had there been a clean and a fair polling, he would come out victorious. “But by the grace of God, I did not win. I’m returning to my first love i.e music,” stated Guru Rewben Mashangva.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/naga-artists-present-cultural-programmes/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Sep 13 : North East Women Writers Meet being organized by the NEZCC in association with the Nagaland Post will be held on the 14th and 15th of September 2012 at NEZCC Conference Hall to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the Centre is now all set for the big day. The event is co-ordinated by Monalisa Chankija, Editor, Nagaland Page.
The Writers Meet will see an array of established and eminent writers from all the North Eastern States and will feature writers like Tilottama Misra, an eminent writer in English who recently retired from the Dibrugarh University and winner of the Award “Ishan Puraskar” by Bharatiya Bhasha Parishad for her novel Swarnalata. Mitra Phukan, a well known Wrtiter/Translator/Columnist who taught Contemporary Literature in Stanford and Brown University, US will also participate.
Nagaland will be represented by Dr. Temsula Ao, who recently retired as a Professor from NEHU. Dr. Temsula is a fullbright fellow and have been awarded Padmashree for her literary contribution to Naga English writing. Her essays and folklore and culture have been featured in various anthologies in India and abroad.
Manipur will be represented by Dr.Arambam Ongbi Memchoubi Devi a former Laureates of the
UNESCO-ASCHBERG Bursaries for Artists 1997, Paris whose work spanning three decades have been published and recognized for both Manipur and abroad.
She has travelled worldwide and her writings are featured in anthologies in India and abroad. She is one of the eminent Manipur writers in the country today. Prof. N. Aruna Devi, Professor from Manipur University who is a prolific writer on Causes of Women in Manipur and a critic well known in National and International level.
Moushumi Kandali, a well known young fiction writer and critic on Art & Culture and a translator with 9 published books. She is an Asst. Professor in the School of Culture and Creative Expressions in Ambedkar University of Delhi.
Tripura will be represented by Ghambini Devi who has done some outstanding work on both Manipuri and Bengali and have been well feted by various institutions like Manipuri Sahitya Parishad etc. Smt. Biddhatri Dam, a young writer and poet from Tripura will also participate.
Meghalaya will be represented by Prof. Streamlet Dkhar from NEHU, whose specialization is on Khasi Drama and Poetry and has over 25 years of teaching experience. She has won many award including Kasturba Gandhi Sammaan 2009 and have won many poetry award including the Award of “A Lady of Hope” in the 8th International congress held in Cape town, South Africa in 2012. Ms.Tidolis Snaitang is a young writer in Khasi who is one of the upcoming poet and writer from Meghalaya.
Dr. Shanti Chetri from Sikkim is a prolific writer in Nepali Literature from North Bengal University and winner of various State and National Awards for contribution to Nepali Literature. Dr. Sudha Rai is a well known Nepali Poet of National repute and her works have been translated in to many Indian languages and English.Some Eminent publishers like Zubaan will be represented by Preeti Gill who has 20 years of experience in the publishing industry and has shown keen interest in the North East Region.
Dr. Asangla, Editor of Heritage Publication, Dimapur will also participate.
Mr. Deep Saikia, Representative of National Book Trust of India (NBT) will also taken part in the meet.
There will be a session of recitation by local young writers/poets in the meet. NEZCC invites young writers and poets to submit their works to the Director, NEZCC by email to: nezccdimapur@yahoo.co.in for selection.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ne-writers-meet/

IMPHAL, SEPT 12 NNN: Nominees for the first Sahitya Seva Samiti Manipuri Awards and Neta Irawat Leelarol Lifetime Mana 2012 have been announced today.
The awards which consist of eleven categories and the winners which will be awarded on September 23 at the auditorium of Library and Information Centre, Kakchin in Manipur under the aegis of Sahitya Seva Samiti, Kakching and Film Forum, Manipur.
The nominees selected for the best film and the best director are ” Saklon Amada ” directed by L. Surjakanta; ” Tilaikhumbi ” directed by Kh. Biswamitra and ” Thasi Thanou “, directed by Eepu.
Raju Nong (Tilaikhombi), Gokul (Luhongbagi Ahing), Kaiku (Saklon Amada) have been nominated for the best actors category while Seema (Thasi Thanou), Sonia (Tilaikhombi), Maya (Saklon Amada) and Bala (Luhongbagi Ahing) have been nominated for the best actress category.
Naoboy (Tinkhang), Sadananda (Taru Tarubi Maktabi) and Berlin (Saklon Amada) have nominated for the best male singer category while Pusparani (Luhongbagi Ahing), Mandakini (Tilaikhombi) and Sarita Gazmer (Thasi Thanou) have been nominated for the best female singer category.
For the best story category, G.A. John (Saklon Amada), Ranjit Ningthouja (Tilaikhombi) and Niladhaja Khuman (Tingkhang) have been nominated.
E. Enaocha (Tingkhang); Bijgupta Laishram (Luhongbagi Ahing) and Rakesh Roshan (Yairipok Thambalnu Amaga) have been adjusted for the best lyrics category while for the best music director category, Gopi (Luhongbagi Ahing); O. Geet (Tilaikhombi) and Tomba Thangjam (Yairipok Thambalnu Amaga) have been adjusted.
Nominees for Neta Irawat Leelaroi Lifetime Mana-2012, Loitam Tomal Singh of Sumang Leela and Kangabam Tomba Singh of Manipuri Cinema have been adjusted.
Addressing media persons, R.K. Jnan Ranjan, Director, Sahitya Seva Samiti said, “The nominees for different categories which they have announced are taken from January 2010 to December 2011.
The winners will be given a cash award of Rs.10,000 each along with a memento while the winners for the best singer and the best lyrics will get a cash amount of Rs. 5000 each along with a memento .”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nominees-for-manipuri-film-awards-announced/

Grammy Award Winner Padma Shree Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt dedicated fiery music at AR senior Secondary School Keithelmanbi, 28 Assam Rifles on 03 Sep 2012. It was spell bound one hour for the student to the melodies and different Ragas played on Mohan Veena by none other than the very man who created this hybrid slide guitar. The programme was organised in conjunction with SPIC MACAY commenced with welcome speech by student of ARSS, Keithelmanbi. Brig Navneet Kumar, Commander 9 Sector Assam Rifles graced as the Chief Guest.
The occasion was graced by a galaxy of eminent personalities. The Veena Icon Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt being a powerhouse performer, captivated the audience, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt has also been eminent in popularizing the Indian culture and music through out the world. The programme was witnessed by a large number of local populace,students and all ranks of Assam Rifles.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pt-vishwa-mohan-bhatt-music-concert/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Aug 21: Manipur is getting least funds for protection of ancient monuments in the entire region. It was the only state which did not get any central assistance in 2010-11. The Minister for Culture and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Kumari Selja has said that there is no provision under the Ancient
Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and Rules, 1959 to declare or recognize cultural heritage centres and
heritage sites. However, Archaeological Survey of India looks after 82 monuments/sites that are declared as of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 in the North Eastern States, out of which 55 monuments/sites
are in Assam.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today Kumari Selja said, the conservation, preservation and maintenance of monuments is an ongoing process. Every year review of the status of monuments/sites of the ASI declared as of national importance is taken up.
A number of monuments are identified for taking up structural repairs of special nature.
The conservation programme is drawn up accordingly and funds are provided for the same. For sustained preservation of the remaining sites/monuments, routine maintenance comprising removal of vegetation, maintenance, minor repair works such as patch plastering, pointing, water-tightening, masonry, etc. is also taken up. Arunachal has three monuments, Assam 55, Manipur one (Vishnu temple, Lamangdong). Meghalaya 8, Nagaland 4, Tripura 8 and Sikkim four.
Kumari Selja gave details of expenditure incurred on conservation, preservation and maintenance of centrally protected monuments/sites in north-eastern states (State-wise) during the last three years .
Assam got Rs 117.60 lakhs, Rs 141.77 and Rs 200.52 during the last three years. Manipur got Rs 0.60 lakhs in 2000 and Rs .50 lakhs in 2012.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/manipur-has-only-one-ancient-monument-selja/

Imphal Aug 19 UNA: Twelve photographers of Manipur including six persons who were already expire were honoured with momentous for the year 2012 on World Photography Day which was observed at Manipur Press Club on Sunday.
World Photography Day was organized by the Manipur Amateur Photo Club (MAPC).
Chitra Ahanthem, Publicity secretary MAPC said in her key note address that August 19 was chosen for the special day in the world photography since the first announcement day in the world of photography was made on August 19, 1839.
MAPC feels it re-creative to hear from Korske Ara, the founder of world photography organization when he says, “A photography is not ‘just’ a picture nor is it ‘just’ an art. Photography is everywhere we are bombarded with imagery on daily basis.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/twelve-photographers-honoured/

Aizawl, July 5 NNN : In its endeavor to expose Mizo cultural dances in various parts of the world, a Mizo cultural troupe will participate at the 37th Alnwick International Music Festival scheduled to be held at Newcastle in the United Kingdom from August 4 to 11 this year.
In this connection, Mizoram art & culture minister PC Zoramsangliana had met Union minister for culture Kumari Selja in New Delhi on June 29 and discussed various important measures to be taken for this purpose. The union minister had reportedly expressed readiness on the part of her ministry that necessary steps will be taken so that the Mizo cultural troupe can participate at the said music festival.
Zoramsangliana also met Indian Council for Cultural Relations President Dr.Karan Singh in this connection. The Mizo minister in his meeting with High Commissioner of the British High Commission,
Sir James Bevan KCMG in New Delhi on Tuesday apprised the latter that the Mizo cultural troupe will perform at the international music festival. The High Commissioner assured the minister that his office will do necessary steps like preparation of visa for the members. The British High Commissioner also agreed to visit Mizoram in the near future and said that he would attend Chap Char Kut celebration next year.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizo-troupe-to-perform-in-newcastle/

N. Kunjamohan Singh conferred ‘Eina Kenge Kenba Natte’ (Manipuri)
Kochi, June 12 (MNS): Samsung India and Sahitya Akademi felicitated the best literary contributions by writers in seven Indian languages at the ‘Tagore Literature Awards’ Presentation Ceremony held in Kochi today. Named after the legendary poet, Sri Rabindranth Tagore, the ‘Tagore Literature Awards’ were presented to the writers in recognition of their excellence in the regional literary community. Instituted by Samsung India and the Sahitya Akademi in 2009, with the objective of encouraging Indian language literature, the awards felicitates writers in eight Indian languages every year, with 24 Indian languages being covered by the end of the third year. The literary contributions by writers are adjudged by a jury panel selected by Sahitya Akademi. This is the third edition of the Tagore Literature Awards.
Organised at the AJ Hall in Kaloor, the glittering Awards Function saw literary works in English, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Nepali and Sindhi being awarded. The winners whose works covered different genres of novels, poetry, short stories and drama between 2007 – 2009 are: Mr. Amitav Ghosh for ‘Sea of Poppies’ (English); Ms. Sheela Kolambkar for ‘Geera’ (Konkani); Mr. Jagdish Prasad Mandal for ‘Gaamak Jingi’ (Maithili); Mr. Akkitham Achyuthan Nambudiri for ‘Anthimahakaalam’ (Malayalam); Mr. N. Kunjamohan Singh for ‘Eina Kenge Kenba Natte’ (Manipuri); Ms. Indramani Darnal for ‘Krishna Krishna’ (Nepali) and Mr. Arjan Hasid for ‘ NA IEN NA’ (Sindhi).
The Award function was graced by Dr. M. Veerappa Moily, Honorable Minister for Corporate Affairs, Government of India as Chief Guest, while Mr. O.N.V Kurup and Mr. M.P. Veerendra Kumar, eminent writers and leading luminaries of Indian literature, joined the event as Guests of Honour. The other dignitaries at the event included Mr. Agrahara Krishna Murthy, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi and Mr. B. D Park, President & CEO, South West Asia HQ, Samsung Electronics.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. B. D. Park said, “Named after the legendary Sri Rabindranath Tagore – as revered in Korea as he is in India – the Tagore Literature Awards celebrate the power of literature to unify people across religions, regions and cultures. These Awards represents the achievement of these literary writers in the promotion and development of the richness of literature in India. And we at Samsung, are honored to be associated with these talented writers of Indian literature.”
Speaking about the Tagore Literature Awards, Mr. A. K. Murthy added, “The Tagore Literature Awards instituted by the Korean Government and Korean Embassy has been greatly appreciated by the literary fraternity in India. The third edition of the Awards continues to give recognition to leading luminaries of Indian literature whose outstanding works extend the fabric of our literature and enrich our community. The Tagore Literature Awards will further promote Indian Literature and strengthen literary and cultural ties between India and Korea.”
The Presentation Ceremony for the ‘Tagore Literature Awards’ was attended by leading luminaries from the world of art and literature, with renowned TV anchor, model and recent film debutant Ranjani Haridas hosting the ceremony. The evening had a fitting finale with the rendition of a collection of classical and fusion compositions by expert Bharatanatyam danseuse and a leading actress of South Indian motion pictures, Padma Shri Shobana Chandrakumar.
The Tagore Literature Awards have, over the past two years (2009 and 2010), recognized literary works across different genres of novels, poetry, short stories essays, biography/autobiography and plays etc.. In 2009, writers in Bengali, Bodo, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Punjabi and Telugu were felicitated, while the second edition of the awards honored literary works in Assamese, Dogri, Marathi, Odia, Rajasthani, Santali, Tamil and Urdu.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tagore-literature-awards-bring-together-indias-best-literary-talent/

Imphal, May 7 NNN: American rock band Fire House took the young Manipuris to the wonderland for a while.
Sweat, dust, shouts and rocking to the full-fire fury by the hypnotised crowd marked the show of Fire House in the violent filled state capital Imphal on Sunday evening.
From early afternoon people started conglomerating at Hatta Kangjeibung in Imphal, the venue where the American rock band was to rock. Though they knew the show would start after dusk, the wait at home could no longer held them.Just after the local bands had the warm-up session, the American band swiftly took control of the stage, the crowd and of course the whole two hour-show had transformed Hapta Kangjeibung into the wild world of American ambience for the crowd.Everyone was rocking. The modestly attired ‘respectable’ ladies who were brought by the brothers and husbands could no longer resist themselves but to join the crowd’s sway rocking and singing away to the songs of the Fire House. Literally speaking, the jumping feet of thousands of people had kicked up thickening dust but the ‘VIPs’ and many high ranking bureaucrats did not mind as they too were already intoxicated by the Fire House music–they were rocking to the fullest. A young MLA just standing behind the media gallery was seen raising his hands while singing to the loudest of his voice with the American rock band. He had come with his family.
The only hiccups were the occasional tussles between the security personnel and certain over enthusiastic fans of the Fire House. A man was seen slapped and kicked by security men for wild behaviour in the vicinity of the VIPs and their families. He was pushed back after he was disciplined. But the man forgot about the thrash he was meted out by the men in uniform. He continued to rock after removing his shirt. But all these incidents, no one did bother. The crowd was too busy with the Fire House and the rockings.”I love you the people of Manipur. We are here tonight for you Imphal,” was what one of the band members announced. The crowd simultaneously responded to the announcement and the thousands and thousands of hands were seen waving in the air to the high decibel Fire House music.
“I came all the way from Tamenglong only to join the American band concert on live,” said Athuina Gangmei. According to reports, large number of people from Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Churachandpur too rushed in at Hapta Kangjeibung for the show. ‘I used to see them only in the TV shows but now I have witnessed in real,” said contented S Alex, a college student from Ukhrul.
At around 8:45 pm, the band members of the band wished good night to the madding crowd. But the crowd did not accept it. They want more. The band obliged.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/fire-house-sets-crowd-afire/