Makakmayum Saroj Khan Becomes First Manipuri Muslim to Win MSKA Young Writer Award, Emerging as a Bold New Voice in Contemporary Manipuri Literature
Written by Maibam Safiur Rahaman
In a landmark moment for Manipur’s literary community, young poet Makakmayum Saroj Khan has been honoured with the Manipur State Kala Akademi (MSKA) Young Writer Award 2024, becoming the first Manipuri Muslim to receive this prestigious recognition. The award was presented during the Manipur State Kala Akademi Awards 2023 and 2024 ceremony, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Akademi, Imphal, and graced by Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
The ceremony saw a total of sixty-nine distinguished personalities being felicitated across various fields of art and culture, including dance, music, Shumang Leela, Thang-Ta, tribal culture, literature, and young talent categories. Among the celebrated names was veteran artist Thoidingjam Tombi Singh, who received the MSKA Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifelong contributions to the cultural heritage of the State.
Amid such eminent awardees, the recognition bestowed upon Saroj Khan marked a significant milestone. Born on March 6, 1996, and raised in Wangoi Awang Leikai in Imphal West, he is the son of MK Nasib Ali and MK Mamtaz. Holding an LL.M degree, he has established himself as a rising literary talent whose work is increasingly being acknowledged not only within Manipur but also on national platforms.
Saroj Khan’s poetry is widely admired for its sharp, sarcastic critique of social and political issues in Manipur. His works frequently challenge dominant narratives and unsettle entrenched perspectives, using irony and satire to question authority, expose contradictions, and highlight the lived experiences of ordinary people. In a literary landscape where caution often prevails, his bold voice stands out for its honesty and unflinching commentary. This fearless style has earned him a remarkable following among young readers, who find resonance, courage, and clarity in his expressions.
His creative journey began with the publication of his first poetry collection, Emadi Ngaksham Youre in 2017, which was later republished in a second edition in 2018. However, it was his second book, Hingna Siraba Punsi, released in 2019, that brought him widespread acclaim. The collection not only showcased his maturity as a poet but also cemented his reputation as a writer willing to challenge mainstream discourse. Over the years, the book has earned him multiple recognitions from various literary organisations and cultural bodies within the State. Over the years, Hingna Siraba Punsi has garnered several prestigious honours. It received the Arambam Ibungohal & Binodkumari Literary Award in 2019, marking an early recognition of his emerging talent. The book later earned the Tekcham Kamini Kus Loidang Ningsing Khorirol Mana Award in 2021, further affirming its impact on literary circles. In 2024, the collection was again celebrated when Saroj Khan was honoured with the Lairenlakpam Dharamvir Singh Literary Award, a testament to the book’s sustained relevance and depth. The MSKA Young Writer Award 2024 becomes the fourth and most prominent honour bestowed on this powerful collection, reinforcing its position as one of the defining works of contemporary Manipuri poetry.
Beyond the State, Saroj Khan has also represented Manipur in national literary platforms. He received the Young Travelling Grant from the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi—an achievement that highlighted his potential on the national literary stage. He further participated in UNMESHA, the International Literature Festival held in Bihar and jointly organised by the Sahitya Akademi and the Ministry of Culture, Government of Bihar. These engagements reflect the growing recognition of his work and his contributions to contemporary Manipuri literature.
Despite his rising prominence, Saroj Khan remains closely connected to the social realities and cultural roots of the State. His poems continue to address issues such as political turbulence, social divides, conflict, injustice, and the uneasy coexistence of tradition and modernity in Manipur. The subtle humour and sarcasm he employs often soften the weight of these themes, making his work both accessible and thought-provoking.
The recognition of Saroj Khan as the first Manipuri Muslim to win the MSKA Young Writer Award is not just a personal achievement; it stands as a moment of pride for the entire community. It signals a growing inclusivity within the State’s artistic and cultural institutions and highlights the increasing diversity of voices contributing to Manipuri literature today. With his bold writing style, expanding readership, and growing list of accomplishments, he is widely seen as one of the most promising contemporary poets of Manipur.
As his career continues to grow, readers and critics alike anticipate that Makakmayum Saroj Khan will remain a significant voice—one that questions, provokes, entertains, and inspires, while continuing to redefine the contours of modern Manipuri poetry.