Haobam Nalini | |
|---|---|
| Born | Haobam Nalini Devi March 1, 1957 Kangabam Leikai, Imphal, Manipur, India |
| Occupation | Writer, academic |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | MA, PhD (Manipuri), BEd |
| Genre | Short stories, poetry, drama, essays |
| Notable works | Kanglamdriba Eephut |
| Notable awards | Sahitya Akademi Award (2025) |
Haobam Nalini (also known as Haobam Nalini Devi) is an Indian writer and academic from Manipur, known for her contributions to Manipuri literature. In 2026, she was conferred the Sahitya Akademi Award for the year 2025 for her short story collection, Kanglamdriba Eephut.[1]
Early life and education[edit | edit source]
Nalini was born on March 1, 1957, in Kangabam Leikai, Imphal. She is the daughter of Haobam Ibungotombi Singh and Haobam Ongbi Sakhitombi Devi.[2] She pursued her higher education in Manipuri literature, earning a Master of Arts (MA) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Manipur University. She also holds a Bachelor of Education (BEd) and the Kaba Shastri title.[2]
Personal life[edit | edit source]
Haobam Nalini is married to Khaidem Jaichandra. The couple has one son and one daughter. She resides with her family at Thongju Part II, Imphal, near the IPS School.[2][3]
Career[edit | edit source]
Nalini had a long career in academia, serving as a teacher at several institutions including Kha Manipur College in Kakching and Thoubal College. She was an Associate Professor at the D.M. College of Teacher Education in Imphal, from which she retired.[3] She is an active life member of several prominent literary organizations, including:
- Manipuri Sahitya Parishad
- Leikol (a women's literary body)
- Manipuri Sanskrit Parishad
- Naharol Sahitya Samiti
Literary career[edit | edit source]
Nalini has published ten books across various genres, including poetry, short stories, and drama. Her writings are noted for their cultural depth, exploration of human emotions, and nuanced portrayal of contemporary Manipuri society.[4] Her most acclaimed work, Kanglamdriba Eephut is a collection of short stories published in 2019. In 2025, she published a poetry collection titled Nungsi Thoiba, which was released in English, and Meitei language, in Bengali script, and Meitei script.[2]
Awards and recognition[edit | edit source]
- Sahitya Akademi Award (2025): Awarded for her book Kanglamdriba Eephut.[5]
- Yendrembam Surlata Puraskar (2020): Awarded by Sahitya Seva Samiti, Kakching, for Kanglamdriba Eephut[citation needed]
- Dr. Jamini Devi Award (2022): Presented by the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad.[3]
References[edit | edit source]
- ā "Manipur's Noted Writer Haobam Nalini Wins Sahitya Akademi Award 2025". Ukhrul Times. March 18, 2026. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
- ā 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Dr Nalini Haobam's 'KangLamdriba Eephut' Awarded Sahitya Akademi Award 2025". Manipur Update. March 16, 2026. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
- ā 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Nalini named for Sahitya Akademi". The Sangai Express. March 17, 2026.
- ā "Noted Manipuri writer Haobam Nalini wins Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 for "Kanglamdriba Eephut"". India Today NE. March 17, 2026. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
- ā "Sahitya Akademi Award 2025" (Press release). Press Information Bureau, Government of India. March 16, 2026.