By Dr. Syed Ahmed for TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: Writers’ Union, Manipur, a literary body of the Muslims in Manipur organized its 15th Annual Meet at Dave Literature Centre in D.M. College Campus, here on February 8.
The function was graced by Maulana Mubarak Ali and Azrun Kabir as Chief Guest and President respectively. It was attended by members of the union, Muslim writers and representatives of different civil society organizations of the State.
Social Activist Anwari Noorjahan reciting a poem
Reconstitution of the executive body of the union, outlining the programmes to be taken up in this year, reading of poetry, short story, presentation of folk-song, ghazal and qawali were the main highlights of the meet.
Giving the keynote address, MM Ahmed said, “Writers’ Union, Manipur, formed to promote literary activities among the Muslims and to publish literary works, came into being on August 13, 2000 after the coming together of two Muslim literary bodies, namely Muslim Writers’ Forum and Liberty Publishing Association. Renowned Muslim writers of the State Kayamuddin Phukrimayum and Md. Abdur Rahman were among the founding members of the union. They had encouraged and guided the young Muslim writers of the State. Sadly, Kayamuddin passed away in 2003 in an unfortunate incident, while Md. Abdur Rahman, due to health condition, is not active. However, some of the dedicated followers of the two had been running the union with great enthusiasm. The union had over the years published books of different genres. It has published more than 30 books. The union also publish a journal, titled Pambei.”
Highlighting the activities taken up last year, Ahmed said, “The union organised Kayamuddin Pukhrimayum Memorial Lecture, an award giving function, book-release programmes, among others. The union orgainzed the memorial lecture on September 29, 2013 at Lamyanba Sanglen, Palace Compound. Some of the well-known writers of the State – I.S. Kangjam, K. Madhumangol Singh, L. Jaichandra, B.M. Maisnamba – presented papers. Continuing the tradition of recognizing and appreciating the extraordinary and talented Muslims in the field of literature and culture, the union along with Islamic Cultural and Research Association (ICRA) gave the ICRA Lifetime Achievement Award to Md. Abdur Rahman at a function organized at Manipur Press Club on June 28, 2014. The award carries a cash of Rs. 10,000 and a citation.”
M.M. Ahmed giving the key-note address
The meet reconstituted the union by inducting few office-bearers. The newly constituted executive body consist of Azrun Kabir (President), Dr. Raheijuddin Sheikh (Vice-President), Syed Muhamudin Sheikh (Secretary), and Md. Salim, Md. Rashid Ali, Salim Javed, Dr. Syed Ahmed, M.M. Ahmed, Mufidun Nisha and Anwari Noorjahan as members.
Mufidun Nesha, Dr. Raheijuddin Sheikh, Salim Javed, Anwari Noorjahan, Md. Rashid Ali, Azrun Kabir, M.A. Hashim and Sitara Begum recited poems, while Syed Muhammad Sheikh narrated a short story. Abdus Salam sang a Manipuri folk-song. Md. Rahim of MACAM presented ghazal and qawali.