“The use of alphabets “K, G or CH” is one of the challenges I face while writing this book. I have the privilege to interact with my two grandfathers and my grandmother in bringing out this book. Without their contribution and God’s guidance it would not have been possible” stated Phayam Raleng, the author of the book “Thingreipam- Hao Khararchan Kaikha”.
TFM Ukhrul Correspondent
The book “Thingreipam” is coined from an old huge tree known as “Vari-varā” that is still standing today at Kasomtang, Ukhrul. The author narrated that, when William Pettigrew, the first Christian Missionary came to Ukhrul, he was told that one of the constant figures that has not changed was the huge tree “Vari-varā” on his enquiry.
Phayam Raleng, the 27 year old from Hunphun, released his first book “Thingreipam – Hao Khararchan Kaikha” at a function held at Hunphun Baptist Church. Rev. Zaklei Kaping, Pastor of Phungyo Baptist Church released the book.
Author Phayam Raleng has done his Bachelor of Divinity from United Theological College, Bangalore. He stated that “strict observations and respect for customary practices were a way of life for our forefathers. The book is a collection of folktales with majority of them on birds and animals. It is a book loaded with Hao-chancham (proverbs) and Hao-laa (folk songs). The use of alphabets “K, G or CH” is one of the challenges I face while writing this book. I have the privilege to interact with my two grandfathers and my grandmother in bringing out this book. Without their contribution and God’s guidance it would not have been possible.” He expressed gratitude to everyone who has rendered their help in the course of bringing out the book.
While releasing the book, Rev. Zaklei Kaping stated that “the book has been published at the right time when we are loosing our folktales and folkroles. May everyone who read this book be blessed with immense richness of wisdom amd knowledge.” He encouraged the author to come out with more such books in the future for preserving our stories.
Rev. Somi Kasomwoshi, Pastor of Ukhrul Town Baptist Church spoke on the importance of writing. He stated that “Tangkhul literature is rich. The book shows the penmanship of the author, and it has made us travelled to the past.
“Writing a book through careful and thorough research show us the deeper meaning of our existence. Writing a book is a manifestation of life, a mirror of life and foundation of knowledge. It has far reaching impact than any others. Over130 million book has been published in the world till date and it has become a guiding factors and a bridge for the generation.
“Writing a book is the biggest part of all culture that contributes for betterment of the systems. Let us all inculcate the spirit of writing and reading. I wish Phayam Raleng a bright future.”
Joint Secretary of Tangkhul Literature Society (TLS), Mark Chiphang spoke on the importance of learning Tangkhul language. He emphasized on the need for more writers in Tangkhul language in order to preserve and promote our rich language. He stated that “under the guidance of Rev. William Pettigrew in 1937 and 1938, some learned people of Tangkhul started writing books in Tangkhul language.”
He informed that TLS was registered in 1973 and at lower classes the Tangkhul language was slowly introduced to the students. Today, we have a Tangkhul language text book for students upto standard X and recognised by Board of Secondary Education, Manipur. In 2002, Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur introduced teaching of Tangkhul language in Standard XI amd XII. He mentioned the contribution made by Madam Soso Shaiza for inclusion of Tangkhul language as a subject in the CBSE. Now we have a recognition from the Government of Manipur to introduce Tangkhul subject in the Graduate Level.
He further continued that “lack of teachers for Tangkhul subject at college level is stipping the students from learning and growth of Tangkhul literature. There is lot of rooms for improvement and it is the duty of the educated youngsters to improve where it is needed.”
The book launching programmes was attended by President and colleagues of Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), Hunphun Katamnao Long (HKL) and others. The book is priced at Rs. 200/- and will be available at the book stores in Ukhrul Town.