The 2nd edition of the Tangkhul Language and Literature Festival was held on December 7, 2024, at the Imperial Hall, Classic Grande, Imphal. The event saw active participation from scholars, renowned authors, journalists, and emerging young writers. The theme for this year, “O, Yailo Yailo Lapho,” drawn from a seminal poem by N.K. Paul, a prominent and revered Tangkhul writer reflects a call to action for the community to produce more literary works that reflect the Tangkhul experience. This thematic choice emphasizes the urgent need for the community to actively engage in the production of literature that encapsulates its distinct cultural and historical identity, ensuring that this heritage is preserved for future generations.
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The festival was built on two core premises: to promote the writing and sharing of the Tangkhul community’s stories and to encourage the younger generation to read, understand, and engage with their history. The Tangkhul people, with their distinctive history, see their identity inextricably linked to their historical narrative. As such, the festival highlighted the need for the preservation and communication of this history to younger generations. The first documented work in the Tangkhul language—the Tangkhul Primer and Catechism—published by missionary Rev. William Pettigrew in 1897, marked the dawn of Tangkhul written literature.
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Dr. IK Muivah, the Inspector General of Police in Manipur, who attended as the Chief Guest, stressed the need for the establishment of a structured curriculum in colleges and universities, focusing on the history, culture, and literature of the Tangkhul people. He particularly highlighted the importance of systematically documenting folk tales, songs, and histories, along with the accurate translation of Tangkhul literature. During the event, Dr. Muivah also released three significant books: Ningmachi wui Kalarangayot and Meiwon Pheichak, written by AC Kharingpam, and Wung Tangkhul: Tui, Wordham kala Ngashan, published by the Tangkhul Scholars’ Association. The release of these books symbolizes a broader movement toward the formalization and preservation of Tangkhul narratives in written form.
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In his keynote address, Dr. Yuimirin Kapai provided a thorough examination of the historical and conceptual development of the Tangkhul language and literature. He emphasized the distinction between myth and history, urging that the Tangkhul community’s oral traditions, which were central to their cultural expression, must now be documented in writing. This, he asserted, was essential for preserving the community’s identity and historical legacy.
The festival featured two technical sessions. The first session, moderated by Dr. AC Kharingpam, involved a discussion with Mr. Thangmeiso, a songwriter, and Mr. Makanmi Ramror, a film and script writer. The session focused on the literary themes and ideas embedded in their works, exploring how their songs and scripts reflect Tangkhul cultural and literary expressions. The second session, chaired by Dr. H. Shimreingam, was titled “Mirinwui urraok akha: Tangkhul wordham – Aya, Aja kala Akhama.” Dr. Apinao Leisan, Dr. AC Kharingpam, and Dr. Yuimirin Kapai served as panelists in this session, engaging in a discussion about the evolution of Tangkhul literature and its contemporary relevance.
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One of the event’s key highlights was the poem recitation competition, which saw active participation from students of DM University. The competition underscored the festival’s focus on nurturing literary talent and promoting an appreciation of the Tangkhul language and its poetic traditions.
In her concluding remarks, Dr. Wonkuimi Valui advocated for the continued organization of such events, emphasizing that they provide a vital platform for intellectual engagement, where ideas are debated, and stories are shared. These events, she suggested, are essential for the growth of Tangkhul literature and for fostering a deeper understanding of the community’s rich cultural heritage.
This is a press release of Tangkhul Katamnao Long, Imphal
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