Manipuri Sahitya Parishad (Assam Branch)

Introduction

Manipuri Sahitya Parishad (Assam Branch) is an important literary and cultural organisation of the Manipuri (Meitei) community living in Assam.
Its main purpose is to protect, promote, and develop Manipuri language, literature, and culture in Assam.

Just as Asam Sahitya Sabha works for Assamese and Bodo Sahitya Sabha works for Bodo, Manipuri Sahitya Parishad works for the Manipuri language and literary tradition.

Meaning of the Name

The name can be understood simply:

• • Manipuri – the language and community

  • Sahitya – literature

  • Parishad – council or organisation

Thus, Manipuri Sahitya Parishad means an organisation formed for the development of Manipuri literature and language.

Background of Manipuri Community in Assam

• • A large number of Manipuri people migrated to Assam over different periods.

  • They settled mainly in:

    • Cachar

    • Hailakandi

    • Karimganj

    • Parts of central Assam

  • Though they lived outside Manipur, they strongly wished to preserve their language, literature, and cultural identity.

This need led to the establishment of the Assam branch of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad.

Origin and Establishment (Assam Branch)

• • The Manipuri Sahitya Parishad (Assam branch) was formed to serve Manipuri people living in Assam.

  • It works as a regional branch of the parent Manipuri Sahitya Parishad.

  • The organisation was created to:

    • Unite Manipuri writers and scholars in Assam

    • Encourage literary activities in Manipuri language

    • Protect Manipuri culture outside Manipur

Objectives of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad (Assam)

The main aims of the Parishad are:

• • Promotion and development of Manipuri language in Assam

  • Encouragement of:

    • Poetry

    • Prose

    • Drama

    • Essays in Manipuri

  • Preservation of Manipuri culture, folklore, and traditions

  • Promotion of education in Manipuri language

  • Strengthening cultural identity among Manipuri people in Assam

Activities and Functions

Literary Activities

• • Organises:

    • Literary meetings

    • Seminars

    • Workshops

  • Encourages writing and publishing in Manipuri

  • Supports translation of literary works

Cultural Activities

• • Promotes:

    • Manipuri dance

    • Music

    • Traditional festivals

  • Preserves folk songs, folk tales, and oral traditions

Educational Activities

• • Encourages inclusion of Manipuri language in:

    • Schools

    • Colleges

  • Supports teaching and learning of Manipuri among younger generations

Script and Language

• • Manipuri language uses:

    • Meitei Mayek (traditional script)

    • Bengali script (historically used)

  • The Parishad works to:

    • Promote proper use of script

    • Standardise language usage

    • Preserve traditional literary forms

Organisational Structure

The Assam branch follows an organised structure:

• • President

    • Head of the organisation

  • General Secretary

    • Manages daily activities

  • Executive Committee

    • Takes major decisions

  • Local units

    • Work at district and village levels

Annual Conferences and Meetings

• • Regular conferences are organised in Assam

  • These include:

    • Literary discussions

    • Cultural performances

    • Language-related debates

  • These gatherings help strengthen unity among Manipuri writers and scholars

Role in Cultural Preservation

Manipuri Sahitya Parishad (Assam branch) plays a major role in:

• • Preserving Manipuri identity outside Manipur

  • Passing language and traditions to younger generations

  • Maintaining cultural continuity in a multicultural state like Assam

Social Importance

• • Acts as a cultural bridge between:

    • Manipuri community

    • Wider Assamese society

  • Promotes:

    • Cultural harmony

    • Mutual respect among communities

  • Helps in peaceful coexistence in Assam’s diverse society

Contemporary Relevance

Today, the Parishad:

• • Continues to promote Manipuri language in Assam

  • Encourages youth participation in literature and culture

  • Faces challenges like:

    • Declining use of mother tongue

    • Influence of dominant languages

  • Adapts to modern platforms like digital publishing