Ashangbam Minaketan Singh

Ashangbam Minaketan Singh was born on 2nd May 1906. He was the son of A. Jivan Singh and A. Ongbi Medhabati Devi. He was involved in the killing of British political agent in March 1981. He was imprisoned in Kalapani jail post British conquest of Manipur. He has witnessed the difficult times of Manipur that was under the monarchic rule of British Empire. He was brought up in a family of Royal descendents.

He left his mark on every aspect of literature. He graduated from Calcutta University. He had mastered English, Bengali, Hindi, Sanskrit and the old Manipuri languages with utmost fluency. He has been a lecturer of Manipur College from 1962-82; Principal, Thoubal College from 1982-83 and served as Secretary, Board of Secondary Education of Manipur.

In his poetry people come across vague and complex references which is difficult to comprehend. His vast learning is expressed in such a twisted manner that makes it difficult to follow what the poet wants to say. One comes across suggestive lines of beauty and mysticism in his compositions. His works include Basanta Sheireng, Asheibagi Nityaipod, Asheibagi Sheirol, Tonu Laijinglembi, Bharatki Lonsingi Marakta and Meitei Upanyas. He occupies a special place in the annals of Manipur literature as he invented new words from old Manipuri languages that was spoken earlier.

He has received several awards that include : `Sahitya Ratna` from Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Kavi Samrat`, Sahitya Academy Award for Asheibagi Nityaipod, Padmashri (1985), Shubharna Jayanti Sanman Award, Jamini Sunder Guha Gold medal, Thoibi Award and Lalit Memorial Gold Medal.

He died in the year 1995. He was a true representative of the twentieth century Manipuri Literature.

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