Imphal, Dec 30 (Representative) A memoir by Saroj Nalini Khomdram’s entitled “Ningshing Lakanungdagi” was launched on Sunday at Deputy Speaker Hall, Constitution Club, in the national capital by Meenakashi Lekhi, Senior Lawyer Supreme Court of India and Former Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture of India, Dr Asha Lakra, Member of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes and Former Mayor, Ranchi, Jharkhand and Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, MP according to a statement from Library of Manipur. The formal launching function began with a presentation of Basanta Raas by Vivian Rajahamsan and Karishma Wahengbam . Published by the Library of Manipur the book “Ningshing Lakanungdagi” is a collection of eleven memoir stories written by Saroj Nalini Khomdram. A memoir where one can get a glimpse of life in Manipur from the perspective of a strong and resilient young woman, the stories reflects the never-give-up attitude of the writer. It’s about memories felt deeply which remained hidden in her heart for a very long time, and finally, poured onto the pages. It is her personal story and yet, many in Manipur can relate. These stories reveal the emotions and experiences a woman carries beneath the strong positive person we see, giving the reader hope to cruise through life no matter what. The author recounts the pain and suffering of elders, young mothers, and children she met in the relief camp, the violence, the death, the burnings of homes, and the displaced people. She laments about the continuous never-ending conflict in Manipur she has seen in her lifetime, the impact it has on everyone, and her short path ahead as she is aging.
The chapters are “For My Children’, “Life Partner”, On the Way to Jail, A Day in Lockup, Meeting the Shaman, At the Teacher’s House, Eche Choubi, At the Minister’s Quarter, My Treasured Wedding Gift, My Black Cow, Author’s experience participating in the Hunger Marchers 1965. The author has dedicated the book to the sons and daughters of Manipur, the ones who have given their lives during the ongoing conflict which started on 3rd May 2023, an offering with tears. The author born on 29th Dec 1949 in Imphal to Laishram Angangjao Singh and Khomdram Ramani Devi and married to Ingudam Tomba Singh is also a social worker who created a beautiful safe nurturing space to study and learn where young girls of different diversity (Ethnic and Religion) stayed under the same roof with love, respect and harmony. Her encouraging talks and sessions to students at their tender crucial age on their choice of career path and timely life lessons left many inspired holding a special space for her in their heart. She also held talks in radio , TV on Palliative Care and other issues and her love for Manipuri Literature led to the creation of Library Of Manipur. She passionately and tirelessly reads the beautiful literature of Manipur. This is a gift to many who have migrated or studied outside of Manipur and are no longer able to read the script. She has read many books including explanations that helps the audience of different generations to understand the underlying story and message of great works of authors of Manipur. The memoirs are products of a lifelong experience of a woman and the excellent works will enrich the literary world specially Manipuri language .