By Dr. Syed Ahmed, for TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: A book, Khongu Nanggi Banshi, written by Dr. Md. Raheijuddin Sheikh, was released by the Writers’ Union, Manipur (WUM) on May 28, 2013 at Manipur Press Club at Imphal. The book consists of two radio-plays in Manipuri – “Khongu Nanggi Banshi” and “Nonglikna Chotlabi Maithong.” The first play won the Best Script Award in the All India Radio Playwrights’ Competition 2000.
The function was attended by the Commissioner of Art & Culture, Manipur, R. K. Nimai Singh, Former Director of Doordarshan Sagolsem Indrakumar Singh and President of WUM Mohd. Abdur Rahman as Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and President respectively. The function was attended by some of the well-known writers of the State.
Dr. Raheijuddin Sheikh speaking
Renowned Manipuri writer and a faculty of Manipuri Department of D.M. College of Arts Dr. Sharatchandra Longjomba reviewed the book. He concluded that the two plays, written in distinctive styles, will enrich the modern Manipuri literature.
All India Radio, Imphal, had broadcasted the two radio-plays many times. Khongu Nanggi Banshi is a tragic play. It is the story of the family of an honest Government official. The officer meets a road accident and it is reported that he died in the accident. His educated but unemployed son is offered a Government job in die-in-harness. Luckily the father survives the accident and returns back. However, the situation compels the father to lead the life of a fugitive till death. Nonglikna Chotlabi Maithong is a play about an orphan girl who applied for the housing scheme of Department of Minority and Other Backward Classes. It narrates the hardships that she faces in getting the benefit of the scheme.
The leading artistes of the plays Shyamdhoni and Bhubaneswori Devi also shared their experiences in enacting the plays. They said that the plays, written beautifully, were very well-received by listeners. The artistes were honoured with gifts. Eminent film actors of the State R. K. Hemabati and Ksh. Tejkisore also gave their feedbacks on the two plays in the book. All the speakers at the function praised the work of Dr. Md. Raheijuddin Sheikh.
Dr. Md. Raheijuddin Sheikh is one of the prominent writers of the State. He has written numerous dramas, radio plays, film scripts and tele-plays in Manipuri. He has also produced few documentary films.
Sheikh’s works on drama include Adungei Schollgee Lambida (1986), Aroiba Matamna Laklabada (1986), Amuktang Hallukhisi Achumba Lambida (1987), Sinpham Thiba (1987), Ei Amuk Hingninglakle (1988), Eidi Aunpot Louroi (1988), Anouba Surda Punshi Shanda (1989), Sana Khudop (1989), Eshei Amagee Sur (1990), Pirangna Chotlaba Chithi (1991), Chekpalnungda (1991), Yeknabasibu Kanano (1992), Ei Thabak Touraroi (1993), Ei Amuk Hallage (1996), Khongu Nangee Bashi (1999), Nonglikna Chotlabi maithong (2009) and Thoudoktu Amuk Hallaktaba Oisanu (2012).
Releasing the book
Sheikh has also written three radio serial-plays, Nattung Illakke (1998), Thawanmichakki Lamdamda (2009) and Warini Makhoigee (2010), two film scripts, namely Kadaidano Nahakpu (1999) and Matang Chabada Hairage (2003), and two tele-plays namely Shambaldi Leihouri (2002) and Angangba Rumal (2003).
He has also released four documentaries – The Hawker (2001), Khudol (2008), Hello Mother (2010) and Ngasidamak Khangli Achumba Waa (2013).
Sheikh has also published a book, titled Awaba Sheishak, in 1986. He is also in the editorial board of some of the religious and science journals, namely Noor, Mangal, The Mirror and Physics for Cultural Heritage.
Sheikh is also one of the most sought-after Quiz master and Television anchor. He is presently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics, D.M. College of Science. He also served as Secretary of Manipur State Commission for Minorities.