Book on ‘Konyak folktale’ released

Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change and Village Guards, C.L. John released “‘Haolong, a Konyak folktale”, a book authored by Ngemnyu Konyak, Saturday. The book, published by PenThrill Publication, was released at a programme held at The White Owl Book Lounge, Niathu Plaza, Chümoukedima. John said “Haolong” was considered an important institution by the Konyaks in the past, where people gathered to worship and offer prayer to seek blessing and organise gatherings, meetings, functions, and collect information. The minister appreciated the efforts of Ngemnyu in documenting the folktales of the Konyak community, which would be helpful to the younger generation to understand the vibrant culture and history of the tribe.

The author said she was inspired by her late grandfather who narrated numerous folktales to her while growing up. Ngemnyu added that the book was an effort to preserve Konyak’s oral traditions/narration through proper documentation. In a short speech, PenThrill Publication publisher, Vishu Rita Krocha also emphasised the significance of preserving cultural heritage through storytelling and asserted the importance of documenting these narratives for the future generation.

The programme was chaired by Viphirianuo Seyie, a welcome address was delivered by the mother of the author, W. Lily Konyak and dedicatory prayer was said by Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Chümoukedima, Rev S. Yoko.