Imphal, February 21, 2018 (DIPR): Chief Rector of Manipur University, Hon’ble Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla, opened the M. K. Binodini Devi Anniversary Memorial 2018, today, at the Centenary Hall, Manipur University, Canchipur, Imphal. The M.K. Binodini Devi Anniversary Memorial, 2018 comprises, ‘From Page to Screen’ – a retrospective of the films of Aribam Syam Sharma including the Digital Restoration Premiere of Imagi Ningthem – My son, My precious (Grand Prix winner, 1981).
The Chief Guest, Hon’ble Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla, paying her tribute to M.K. Binodini Devi, said due to the outstanding works of late M.K. Binodini Devi, she has become an admirer of the great lady although she missed the opportunity of meeting her. Despite being born in an influential family, M.K. Binodini Devi, popularly known as IMASI, could think and worry about the people of the State which is full of literature, music on culture. She was the true representative of the aspiration and life of the Manipuri people.
The Governor also said that the contribution made by her, in the field of Manipuri film undoubtedly qualifies for well deserved appreciation. The Government of India recognizing her remarkable achievement and contribution in the field of music, drama, dance, film and literature, awarded the Padma Shree in 1976. It is praiseworthy and highly creditable that some of the stories authored by her are included in the curriculum of schools and colleges in the State today, she added.
Applauding the untiring endeavour of the “The Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi Foundation” for propagating and perpetuating the thoughts as well as works of M.K. Binodini, she said that the screenplay of the iconic film “Imagi Ningthem – My son, My precious”, amply reflects the innate talent of M.K. Binodini, the prolific writer.
Reflecting on the writings of M.K. Binodini, the Governor said that she is one of the few writers in the world coming from the innermost circle of royalty made a mark in literature. Her writings touching upon the privileged royalty therefore carried the stamp of authority. Her work as a writer bore the unmistakable mark of leftist leanings and she was essentially a writer of the people, a princess brought up in transitional court life, who became a voice for the common man.
M.K. Binodini Devi considered as the key renaissance figure of modern contemporary Manipuri culture, bridged the two worlds of ancient royalty and modern life. Born as a princess, she transcended the trappings of royalty and lived the full life of an enlightened commoner. Her literary works relate to the lives of common people and of the ordinary Manipuri people along with the grace and elegance in her prose. Her delineation of strong, unconventional female characters in her writings continues to inspire young women authors as a role model.
M.K. Binodini made her name as a novelist and a writer of short stories, essays, plays and screenplays of award winning films, lyrics, poems and ballet scripts. She also recorded her presence in diverse fields such as sculpture, environmentalism, women’s issues, social activism and electoral politics. Her works won accolades in the National as well as International arena.
She made global impact with films (9 feature films and 4 documentaries) and her collaboration with Aribam Syam Sharma resulted in landmark films like Imagi Ningthem, the documentary film, Sangai – Dancing Deer of Manipur (British Film Institute Outstanding Film of the year Award, 1989) and feature film Ishanou (Un Certain Regard Selection, Cannes Film Festival, 1991).
Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla also launched a book entitled “The Himalayan Arc – Journeys East of Southeast” edited by Namita Gokhale. A documentary film “Binodini: A Writer’s Life” directed by Aribam Syam Sharma was also screened followed by digital premiere of “Imagi Ningthem – My Son, My Precious”.
Presiding the function, Prof. W. Vishwanath, Department of Life Sciences, Manipur University, said that the programme will pave a way towards the brighter future of Manipuri Cinema, Script writing, Cinematography and enhance the standard of film-making in Manipur.
Renowned film personality Shri Aribam Syam Sharma, distinguished members from the Film Fraternity, Members of IMASI Foundation and students of Mass Communication of Manipur University attended the opening function of the M.K. Binodini Devi Anniversary Memorial, 2018.
The memorial will conclude on 24th February, 2018 and is organized by IMASI-the Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi Foundation and Co-presented by Department of Mass Communication, Manipur University and TC Foundation, MUSU.
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