Okendro Khundongbam

Okendro Khundongbam (Ehilien Khanganba) was born on 1 April 1984 at Heirok Part 2, Devimandop Leikai, Thoubal District, Manipur. He is the son of (Late) Khundongbam Ibohal and Khundongbam Ongbi Manglembi. He completed his schooling at Chingdompok High School, Chaoyaima Higher Secondary School, and N.G. College, and is an undergraduate. He is married to Laishram Ningol Paneshori, and they have three children — Wataisana, Likchabi, and Malemnganbi. A passionate writer and cultural activist, Okendro is an accomplished journalist, lyricist, playwright, and reader of short stories and poems. He has been an approved lyricist and playwright of All India Radio (AIR) Imphal since the age of 19. Over the years, he has made significant contributions to journalism, literature, theatre, and cultural discourse in Manipur. Okendro is the Founder General Secretary of several literary and cultural organisations, including the Artiste Training cum Educational Research Centre (ATEREC) (2002), Kangleipak Loinasillon Apunba Marup (KLAM) (2002), Sheihek Sheireng Sheipal Shemgat Lup (SHEIPAL) (2007), and the Patriotic Writers Forum. He has also served as Music Secretary of Chingdompok High School (1997) and a Standing Committee Member of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) (2024). His journalistic journey began with a course conducted by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) in 2009. He has worked with numerous newspapers and media houses, including Kangla Pao (2003), Matamgi Yakairol (2003–2005), Paojel (2005–2007), Naharolgi Thoudang (2007–2014), Huiyen Lanpao (2014–2017), and Manipur News (2024). He has also been associated with several monthly journals — as a columnist in Phidampham, Joint Editor of Image film journal and Loinasillongi Nachom, Special Correspondent of Anouba Mangal, Joint Editor of Linasillongi Phaonache, and Sub-Editor of Ipak. As a literary figure, Okendro has published numerous works across genres, including short stories, poetry, radio dramas, and lyrical collections. His major publications include Khallubada Nokning-e (Short Stories, 2003), Nungsiba Lein am (Prose & Poetry, 2005), Eeshingthingbi Amasung Magee Eshei (Poetry, 2007), Lambisina Loirakpada (Radio Drama, 2013), Malangda Taori Manglan Oina (Lyrical Poems, 2014), Shingjaningee Imagee Laman (Lyrical Poems, 2019), and Ee Teiraba Tabal (Poetry, 2019). He has also released several audio CDs, including Lounamba Khoimugee Chirol Da (2012), Thungnaba Amux Kainaba (2012), Ashengba Punshi (2014), and Lammeina Chakli Chingsangee Napomda (2019). Okendro has received numerous awards and honours in recognition of his literary, journalistic, and cultural contributions. These include the Arambam Ibungohal and Binodkumari Literary Award (2020) by the Patriotic Writers’ Forum, the Chingkhu Moirang Leima Kabirdas Mana (2021) by Sahitya Seva Samiti, Kakching, the Thokchom Amuba Sastri Ningshing Khorirol Mana (2022) by Khorirol Sandok Lup, Wangjing, the Nongpok Ningthou Panthoibi Journalist Award (2013) by PAFINCA Foundation, and several certificates of honour from various organisations. He was also awarded the Media Personality Award by Manipur State Shumang Leela (2010) and the Media Award by Theatre Mirror, Imphal (2014). Beyond literature and journalism, Okendro is also active in cultural education and social leadership. He was General Secretary of the Youth Front of the North East India Development Party (NEIDP) in 2019, and has participated in various training programmes, including workshops on Manipuri Shunang Decla and archival conservation. Through his prolific career as a writer, editor, lyricist, playwright, and journalist, Okendro Khundongbam continues to contribute profoundly to Manipuri literature, media, and cultural identity.