Ukhrul gears up for Tangkhul Literature Festival
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, December 10 2022:
Tangkhul Literature Festival 2022, a first of its kind, is all set to bring together experts from various fields to deliberate on the various aspects of Tangkhul language and literature.
The festival, which will be inaugurated by Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah, will take place on December 13 and 14 in Ukhrul town.
The event is being organised by Tangkhul Naga Society, Delhi (TNSD) in collaboration with North East Foundation for Education and Culture (NEFEC) and Association of Recognised Schools, Ukhrul District (ARSUD) .
In connection with the upcoming festival, organising committee representedby TNSD president Dr AC Kharingpam, NEFEC secretary AC Tamyo and ARSUD president Yarmi Kashung held a press conference cum interaction at 25 Degree North restaurant, Phungreitang on Saturday.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr AC Kharingpam highlighted the rationale for organising the festival, stating that its prime objective is to resuscitate and rekindle the joy of having our own literature.
He emphasised that it is an earnest call of the organising committee to everyone to come forward in rebuilding Tangkhul literature, while adding that it is for the greater good of Tangkhul society that the committee has put in utmost efforts to make this festival happen.
"With this festival, we aim to provide a common platform for the Tangkhul community to come together and discuss the various issues related to our language and literature.
We also look forward to promoting Tangkhul language and literature among the elders and younger generation alike," he said.
"We are hopeful that the upcoming festival will ensure a meaningful turn of events towards reviving and rebuilding our rich literature and envisioning greater steps for the future," Dr Kharingpam added.
According to Dr Kharingpam, a strong principled life is but a reflection of a well cultured language.
"There can be no unique identity without uniqueness of the language spoken by the people, because language is the carrier of culture and tradition.
We are bom into language much as we are bom into culture and tradition and by learning the language, we acquire the skills to navigate through the society and make sense of our lives," he said.
He went on to say that the satisfaction of human hearts is the attainment of human knowledge of language through which humans attain the fulfilment in God, and reconcile with their makers.
"Thus, language is the biggest gift of God for human, offering them meaning and dignity.
It is in the artful articulation of words and in the right usage of words that humans attain highest satisfaction and relates satisfaction with God" .
He also conveyed that in as much as the union of humans and language is inalienable, the existence of humans, the story of their survival, their societal failure and achievements are all recounted in their literature.
Literature as a system of societal reservoir of memories takes into account the minutest details of human experience, such as the despair of orphans, the joy of every woman and child and exalted moments and times of the society, he mentioned.
"The maturity of a society is measured by the jewel of its language, that is, literature.
It is the highest attainment of human language.
Literature and its taste is undoubtedly the minor of the society," Dr kharingpam noted.
The festival is expected to feature prominent Tangkhul writers, poets, religious leaders', and academicians to deliberate upon various aspects of Tangkhul language and literature.
Along with North-East Christian University vice chancellor Prof Darlando T Khathing, a battery of professionals from different walks of life including reverend Dr Wungramthan Shongzannao, Dr Yuimnin Ngakang, Prof Yaruingam Awungshi, Dr AC Kharingpam, Dr Ringkahao Horam, Dr Apinao Leisan, Sira Kharay, Worso Zimik, Shaokhai Mayirnao, Dr Shimreiwung Zzimik, Dr Pamkhuila Shaiza, Yaoreipam Makang, Dr Sinalei Khayi, reverend Prof Shimreingam Shimrei, reverend father Vialo Francis, reverend father Dr Dominic, reverend Dr Khayaipam Khamrang, reverend Dr Peter Kashung, Willingson Shingnaisui, Ngatar Ruivahnao and reverend Dr Ahao Vashum will make topical presentations.
Moreover, the festival will feature an interview with Tangkhul song writers namely, Jas Makang, Pakmi Mahongriao, Gum Reuben Mashangva, Ngachonmi Chamroy, Thang-meiso Shinglai and Iknguira L Shimray.
Dr Kharingpam informed that there will be two parallel sections, namely, children and elders, during the festival that will ran simultaneously.
The children section will be held at UBC's old building, Phungreitang which will focus on imbibing and imbuing students/children with the rich literary heritage of the community.
Various competitions for the children will also be conducted including 'Haolaa', singing, debate, poetry & story writing, painting and storytelling, he conveyed.
Dr Kharingpam further opined that the growth of a child is perceived through the language ability.
As the child learns to speak and express differently, the family's understanding grows and so does social appreciation and acceptance.
The elders' section will be held at conference hall, Zimik Plaza, Viewland which will be a platform of academic discussion, literary discourses and creative environment through seminar, panel discussion and talk sessions for elders.
Panel discussion and talks will feature Dr Yuimirin Kapai, Soso Shaiza, Alex Khayi, Ningmi Kashak, Mark Chiphang, Francis Yangmi, Angelus Shimreingam TS and Lungshim Ragui.
Another feature of the elders' section will be interview and talks with Tangkhul prose writers Mavatmi Kasar, reverend Somi Kasomwoshi, Paul Kasar, Dr Nelson Vashum, Phayam Raleng, Paul Kasar, C Chiphang and reverend Jonah M Solo.
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