The Ao Students Conference released a book titled ‘Aor Kilung Oset’ (Indigenous Household Craft of the Ao Nagas) on 16 January at AKM conference hall. The book was released by Padmashree T Senka Ao.
During the release, Nungdokyanger Ao, President, Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) said that it was a privilege for AKM to be releasing the book which is sponsored by NEZCC. He said that the publication of the book by AKM is based on the resolution passed at the last AKM conference held in Khar village to promote and preserve Ao language and the book is the first project implemented. He also informed that more projects based on the resolution will be undertaken during the next few years too. The resolution pertains to a 10-year (2020-2029) project on the preservation of the Ao language.
T. Senka Ao appreciated the effort of the AKM in being able to publish the book. He said that the book is very essential to preserve Ao language because the book does not only highlight the traditional household crafts but also gives an opportunity to know the philosophy behind the use of different household crafts.
He further said that there are so many other topics that can be written about, citing the examples of different flowers, mushrooms, attire, etc. While congratulating the AKM, he further said that this should be the beginning of a journey towards writing more books.
‘Aor Kilung Oset’ is a publication of the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) published by Heritage publishing house. The book documents one aspect of the material culture of the Ao Nagas – the household crafts – some of which are already lost to the contemporary Ao society, while some are still in use. The book translates the various items in English which carries the value of the book to a higher level by throwing it open to a larger audience.
The editors of the book are Dr Lanurenla, P Tiatemsu, Repabenla, Sentilong Ozukum, Sashimeren, Akangnungsang Jamir and Imolangba and translated at the Language Translation Centre, Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung.
The book is priced Rs 400 and will be available for sale during the AKM conference in Akhoya at 50% discount, AKM informed.