IMPHAL, Jan 13: The Khundongbam Brojendro Memorial Award, 2011, for exceptional playwright of the state has been conferred to Athokpam Tomchou of Kwakeithel Heinou Khongnembi Konjeng Leikai, Imphal.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs 25,000, a citation and a shawl.
Athokpam Tomchou was conferred the lifetime achievement award for his success as a great playwright. He has been associated with Meitei Artistes’ Union, Mongsangei, Manipur Dramatic Union and Eclipse Theatre, Konjeng Leikai. His popular plays include Waroipot, Nungshi Thiba, Chinnadana Kenkhi, Siroy Lily, Maangdraba Lan, Pathou Herachandra, Louremba Khongnangthaba, Aroiba Paodam, Sati Khongnang Tuba, Amamba Sahargi Footpath, Mangda Chatpa, Sutti, Taramdai Korou, Dustbin, Yawum Ama, Chithi Ama Nachom Ama etc.
Speaking at the award function, Tomchou stated that the people often overlook playwrights and artistes who are associated with theatrical organizations. Even family members disregarded theatre artistes for having limited sources of income.
Despite of such hurdles the theatre groups still continue to produce large number of plays which portray the image of the society, he noted.
The award money will be utilized in publishing his books of plays, Tomchou stated.
The award function was graced by E. Dwijamani, chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board, Aribam Kumar Sharma, president of Writers Forum Manipur and E. Sonamani as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
