The Forgotten Folklore Project (TFFP) Fellowship 2024–25 concluded in Shillong on April 26 after months of creative immersion by five emerging writers and illustrators from Northeast India. Among them was Chorovelü Ringa, a young illustrator from Kohima, who brought Naga oral traditions to life through two illustrated children’s storybooks.
A student of Design at IIT Guwahati, Ringa joined the fellowship after coming across the call for applications on a senior’s Instagram story. “As someone who loves visual design and had already worked on a few university projects related to children’s book illustration, this opportunity immediately caught my attention,” she told Mokokchung Times. “The combination of folklore and illustration felt like the perfect fit for me—it aligned perfectly with my interests and creative vision.”
During the fellowship, Ringa illustrated two books rooted in local traditions. The first, Charcoal, was a collaboration with writer Niboli Keziah and explores the age-old Naga practice of using charcoal to clean teeth. “It’s a tradition still followed in some households,” Ringa said, highlighting how such small cultural habits are rarely documented but remain significant.
The second book, Langpang Boy, was co-created with writer Sothing Shimray and is based on the Tangkhul concept of Langpang, a form of communal charity work. “The story is an imaginative creation based on the belief of Tangkhuls that Langpang was gifted to mankind to thrive together by helping each other,” she explained. “The story shows how the concept of charity work begins.”
Illustrating two books within six months was no easy task. “I struggled a lot with meeting the deadlines,” Ringa admitted. “But the writers, editors, and the team as a whole were very supportive and accommodating with my needs.”
The process, she said, was structured and collaborative. “We had a workshop at the beginning of the fellowship, where we were briefed on the research process—how to go about, where to start, what are some key rules to follow, guidelines on interacting with the interviewees. They were with us from day one till the final submissions, with team and personal calls at every iterative phase.”
For Ringa, turning oral traditions into illustrated children’s books is not just about storytelling—it’s a form of cultural preservation. “Many of our stories exist only in memory and spoken word. Turning them into picture books makes them accessible to younger generations, especially in a changing world where digital and written media dominate.”
She believes the impact is especially vital for Nagaland. “It means safeguarding culture while also creating a sense of pride and belonging in children. Strengthening their sense of identity, rooted to their culture, at a young age.”
The fellowship brought together creators from diverse communities across the Northeast, and Ringa described the experience as deeply inspiring. “Everyone brought their own unique flavor of folklore, language, and expression. Despite the diversity, there was a shared sense of purpose and mutual respect.”
“Each fellow contributed something distinct, and together we created a space that celebrated both our diversity and our deep cultural connections across Northeast India.”
Although she could not attend the book launch in Shillong in person, Ringa tuned in to the livestream. “It was a proud and heartwarming moment—not just for those present, but also for those of us watching from afar.”
“I hope these books make their way into schools, libraries, homes, bookstores—places where stories can live and breathe,” she said. “I want them to spark curiosity, pride, and dialogue. I hope it serves as an inspiration for many young individuals to hone their creative skills and one day share their own stories from their little corner of the world.”
Ringa believes this project is just the beginning, not only for Nagaland but also for other indigenous communities. “I hope they’re inspired to document and share their stories too.”
Her message to young people in Nagaland: “Our stories matter. Whether they’re big myths or everyday memories, they’re part of who we are. I encourage everyone, especially young people, to explore their roots and share them creatively. This project showed me that when we tell our stories, we make sure our culture is not forgotten—but celebrated. And also to take that leap of faith and explore creatively!”