Imphal, 16 May 2016 : Manipuri Sahitya Parishad today honoured 29 persons who have made major contributions to various forms of art, culture and literature on the Parishad's 81st foundation day. Renowned lyricist and writer Bachaspatimayum Jayentakumar Sharma was posthumously honoured with ‘Kabiratna’ and  D. Lamgpungjei Kabui was honoured with ‘Kabya Bhushan’. Chief minister O. Ibobi Singh presented the awards, gold medals and cash awards to the winners on the last day of the 81st foundation day celebrations of the Parishad at Maharaj Chandrakriti Auditorium at Palace Compound. The winners included well known writers, singers, dancers, artists who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields.  In his speech on the occasion Okram Ibobi made a fervent appeal to Manipuri Sahitya Parishad to play a significant role in strengthening the unity among the people of the state when the unity of the people is being threatened. He observed that it is natural to have difference of ideas in a society as the society tends to move forward. Lok Sabha MP Dr. Thokchom Meinya members of the parishad and people from different walks of life took part in the celebration.