‘Folk Tales of The Konyak Nagas’ authored by E. Echu Konyak was launched today at NBCC Platinum Hall, Bayavü Hills, Kohima making it his debut book published by Heritage Publishing House, Kohima.
E. Echu Konyak is from Jakphang Village under Mon district, who after attaining his Master’s degree in Linguistic from Nagaland University also completed his BD degree in Pune and is now pursuing his M.Th at UTC, Bangalore.
The book launching ceremony was graced by Smt. S. Phangnon Konyak, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Nagaland, who encouraged community writing and said that the future generations will have a distorted knowledge of the tradition and culture of the society if documentation is not done now.
“Writing is a responsibility. It is not only an individual responsibility but it is a community responsibility”, said Dr Lanusangla Tzudir, Publisher and Coordinator, Heritage Publishing House.
Dr Vizovono Elizabeth, an Independent Researcher and freelance editor reviewed the book as a “delightful read” which will both entertain and educate the younger generation and called it a source of joy and celebration of the past.
The author, Echu Konyak, briefly talked about his journey of how he, as a child enjoyed telling stories to friends and that, this book was him finally jotting down those treasured memories.
“Folktales are an important part of our culture as they unravel our roots and unique identity. There’s an urgency to do proper documentation of the available primary sources as well as from the elders”, he concluded.