Bishnupriya Manipuri writer Dr Kali Prasad Sinha remembered

Special Correspondent

Silchar, Jan 6: The well known Bishnupriya Manipuri litterateur and a doyen of the community, Dr. Kali Prasad Sinha, was fondly remembered by his admirers on his 81st birth anniversary organized by Dr. Kali Prasad Memorial Divyashram Sanskriti Kendra, West Kachudaram, 5 km from here, last Tuesday. In fact, the name of Dr. Kali Prasad has become a household name of the Bishnupriya Manipuri community. Besides being a scholar of Sanskrit, he was a researcher, critic, grammar-specialist, poet, dictionary writer and social activist.

Dr. Kali Prasad Sinha was in the forefront of the movement for protection of the identity, language and culture of Bishnupriya Manipuri community and his contributions could hardly be forgotten. Highlighting these various qualities of his versatile genius, his birthday was observed by holding a discussion, participated by the eminent personalities. The discussion session was presided over by Birendra Sinha, a retired headmaster. All the speakers touched upon the various aspects of his brilliant academic and educational career. He was described as a man of rare talent, dedicated to creative works.

Manimohan Sinha, the chief-speaker, described him as a genius for whom the only devotion and dedication was study and delve deep into the subject and to explore the unexplored fathom of knowledge. Other distinguished speakers to unfold his many sided personality included poet Narendra Chandra Sinha, Shyamananda Sinha, secretary of the celebration committee, Gaurav Rajkumar, president, Nikhil Bishnupriya Manipuri Students’ Union, Rajkumar Anilkrishna, chief advisor, Purnendu Sinha, Gopidas Sinha, advisors, and social activist Manidhwaj Sinha.

The service life of Dr. Kali Prasad Sinha began as a teacher of Sanskrit in Cachar College. After that, he taught in Gauhati University and Tripura University. In 1982, he obtained D.Litt degree in “The Concept of Absolute in Indian Philosophy” from Burdwan University. At the fag end of his academic life, he was appointed as the Head of the Department of Sanskrit in Assam University. His contributions in the literary field were marked by the publication of a number of books in Bishnupriya Manipuri language which have become a treasure-trove for the students, teachers and research scholars.

In order to commemorate his memory, life and achievements and to convey the right message to the younger generation, in particular, ‘Dr. Kali Prasad Samman’ has been conferred on distinguished scholars from 2015. This year the honour has been bestowed on Gopidas Sinha for his contributions to society, Dr. Manas Sinha for his remarkable works in educational field and too talented students, Bikash Sinha and Priyanka Sinha. To make the anniversary memorable and remarkable, all those present on the occasion paid their glowing floral tributes to the portrait of Dr. Kali Prasad Sinha.

Courtesy: The Sentienl