Rokunga | |
---|---|
Born | Aizawl, Mizoram, India | 20 February 1914
Died | 12 July 1969 Aizawl | (aged 55)
Occupation(s) | Academic Writer |
Known for | Mizo literature |
Awards | Poet of the Century |
Rokunga (20 February 1914 – 12 July 1969) was a traditional writer and composer from Mizoram, India.
Musical compositions[edit]
He started composing songs in 1934. He is most well known for composing patriotic songs, traditional festive and Christmas songs. His remain the "most cherished" patriotic songs among the Mizo people.[1] He composed over 127 songs, the most popular of which are:
- Ro Min Relsak Ang Che (Aw nang kan Lal kan Pathian)
- Ka Pianna Zoram Nuam
- Raltiang i Kai Ve Ang
- Kan Zotlang Ram Nuam
Popularity[edit]
He is one of the best known composers in Mizo literature.[2] Kan Zotlang Ram Nuam (Our Fair Mizo Hill) is among the most popular songs;[3] while Aw nang kan Lal kan Pathian is considered as the Mizo "national anthem".[4][5]
Honours[edit]
He was posthumously honoured as Poet of the Century by Mizoram Millenium Celebration Committee in 2000.[6]
In 2008 a life-sized statue was erected at City Park in Aizawl.[1]
Legacy[edit]
In 1999 Rokunga Memorial Society (RMS) was established.[6] The society gives annual Rokunga Award to a Mizo individual who uphold and exemplified the traditional Mizo ethics. The award carries INR 50,000 and, as of 2018, is funded by the Mizo daily news agency Vanglaini.[7][8]
In 2016 Mizo Poetry Society was established in celebration of the birthday of Rokunga.[9]
References[edit]
- ^ a b "Most celebrated Mizo poet". OneIndia. 17 August 2008. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
- ^ "Rokunga". Nunkhua. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
- ^ Nayar, Pramod K. (2008). "The postcolonial picturesque: The poetry of Northeast India". Commonwealth Essays and Studies. 30 (2): 5–21. doi:10.4000/ces.9124. S2CID 131990155.
- ^ "Ram humhalh kawngzawh neih a ni Mizoram humhalh turin sorkar an phût". Vanglaini. 13 March 2018. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
- ^ Vangchhia, H. "Ram thenkhat hla te". mi(sual).com. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
- ^ a b "Poet of the Century' Rokunga Kum 100-na lawmna pui ber neih a ni". Vanglaini. 21 February 2014. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
- ^ "Rokung Memorial Society buatsaih Rokunga Award, 2018 chu Lunglei District-a Lunglawn khaw mi, Pu R. Zaikunga hnenah pek a ni". Zonet. 12 July 2018. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
- ^ "R. Zaikunga hnenah 'Rokunga Award' hlan dawn". Lunglen. 10 July 2018. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
- ^ "Aizawlah World Poetry Day". DIPR, Government of Mizoram. 21 March 2018. Retrieved 10 January 2019.