Kayisii releases 'Life of common folk in old Mao society'
Source: Chronicle News Service
Senapati, August 13 2023:
A book entitled "Life of common folk in old Mao society" written by retired IAS Henry K Heni was released by Tadubi MLA N Kayisii as special guest on Saturday.
The book is about the old history, traditions and ways of life of Mao Naga community that have been passed down over the ages through folklores, memories and folk songs as well as in the day to day practices of living.
The book is an attempt by the elders of Mao community, the ones who grew up in the village and are amongst the earliest to go on to hold positions of authority and responsibility in the Manipur state administration, to reconstruct the lives of their ancestors and offer glimpses into the old Mao society.
The book has been put together through discussions, conversations and the interpretation of folklores as well as folksongs with elders from the Mao society.
Told through the lens of a family's life as it evolved over the years, it offers a general perspective of the life of common people in the past Mao society.
Giving a brief note on the book, the author, Henry K Heni stated that there are two parts in the book.
The first part talks about short genealogical charts of the Mao community and about early life history at Makhel, migration and settlement.
The second part talks about how people dwell in their own villages and social practices.
Speaking as special guest, MLA N Kayisii lauded the author for publishing two books after his retirement.
The MLA regretted that most people no longer have the habit of reading books, from which comes knowledge, and which is why there is lack of knowledge among the people.
The MLA asserted that younger generations will not know history, their past if such books are not written.
Much knowledge can be acquired through reading such books, he said.
He then encourages all to write books that can be beneficial to the society at large.
The MLA also encouraged the youth organisations to install library in their respective offices so that, the youth can come and read, which will help in bringing more development in the region.
The author is a retired IAS officer from Makhan Centre village in Senapati district.
After retirement from government service, he returned to his native place and dedicated himself to social services in his community.
At present, the retired IAS officer serves as an advisor to Makhan Union, Senapati district.
He had earlier written a book entitled, "Reminiscences: My life and times in Government" in 2020 .