Documenting Life in Contemporary Manipur: Robin S. Ngangom, the Witness Poet
| Authors |
| Sorokhaibam Guneshwori Devi & Loiya Leima Oinam |
| Date of Publication: December, 2024 |
| Volume: XXIII, No.- XXVI |
| Abstract |
| The poetry of Robin S Ngangom has been widely appreciated for its lyrical quality and poignant themes. His poems invite readers into the poet’s intimate world of nostalgia, reflections on his society, and protestations against injustices. Often described as ‘poetry of feeling’, Ngangom’s poetry is inspired by the emotional turmoil brought by both personal and public incidents pertaining to Manipur. Much of his poetry, written in the event of social disharmony or political unrest has efficaciously captured the collective experience and sentiments. This paper aims to explore the depiction of contemporary life in Manipur as seen in Ngangom’s works. It looks at the intersection of the personal and political, the self and society, and the individual and collective in his poetry. From social issues such as drug abuse, economic failure, disillusioned youths, moral decay to political challenges such as militarization, insurgency and human rights abuse, Ngangom has borne witness and chronicled these developments through his poetry. Thus, Ngangom’s poetry transcends from being an autobiographical record to documenting the life of the ordinary man living in contemporary Manipur. |
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