Manipuri writer Elangbam Sonamani Singh has been awarded by Jnangarima Manad Alankaram 2017. This one is among the four different categories of literary awards of the Bharatiya Jnanpith. The concerned board has unanimously voted for the multi talented writer. This category award is scheduled for the contribution of distinguished writers in any of the Indian languages listed under the eighth schedule of our constitution.
Manipuri litterateur Elangbam Sonamani Singh got this award at an impressive function held at the Maharaja Chandrakriti Auditorium, Palace Compound. Award was inclusive of a goddess Saraswati statue, a shawl, a citation and one cheque of Rs 1.2 lakhs. The famous writer Elangbam Sonamani Singh has enriched Manipuri language with his adept, multifaceted creations through novels, short stories, poetry, translations and khand kavyas.
In the start of the function, Leeladhar Mandloi, Director, Bharatiya Jnanpith had given an introductory speech about Jnanpith awards and shared about its history. During this award function, Art and Culture Minister, L. Jayentakumar Singh was also present and he paid this respect to the writer by saying that talented writer has done the whole state proud.
Chief Secretary, R. R. Rashmi, chief guest of the function, had also paid rich tributes to the writer and said that his writings also faithfully reflect the socio-cultural milieu and capture the changing times through the prism of our rich values, she added
In his brief address, the patriarch advised the audience in a halting voice to “always live life – fully while alive.” The veteran writer, Sonamani has written over 40 books in different genres. He is also the recipient of many prestigious awards that include Manipur State Kala Academy, Thoibi Award, Central Sahitya Akademi and Translation Award of Central Sahitya Akademi too.