Book on ‘Folklore of Eastern Nagaland’

A book on “Folklore of Eastern Nagaland” collected and translated by Anungla Longkumer was released by chief secretary Pankaj Kumar at hotel Vivor Kohima on Tuesday.
The book is an insight into the poetry, songs, story, and life of six tribes of Eastern Nagaland (Konyak, Phom, Sangtam,Yimchunger and Khaimniungan). It was edited by Temsula Ao and illustrated by Vineizotuo Z Tase and Vithuse Temi and published by department of underdeveloped areas (DUDA) through Heritage publishing house Dimapur.
After releasing the book, the chief secretary said Nagaland has special distinction with so many tribes, and that makes Nagaland colourful and interesting. 
He said that folklore was an important part of the culture as it reflected various meanings on how generation have progressed and how they lived in the past and how things have changed over the period of time.
He further encouraged the DUDA to take up more such initiatives to preserve and promote the arts and culture of the forefathers.  He also lauded the effort put in by the writer to explore and reflect the history so that people could understand their roots.
Speaker Eastern Nagaland students’ union (ENSF) Apong  Yimchungru  also spoke on the occasion.
Anungla, sharing her brief account of the work said she faced lots of challenges while collecting stories from the story tellers as she had to travel to various places of six tribes of Eastern Nagaland. Longkumer said she had travelled for five months visiting various villages and districts to collect the details.   
Programme officer and joint director DUDA Dr. Anungla Imdong Phom who chaired the programme said the writer travelled to 69 villages of Eastern Nagaland to write the book.
The book was certified by the respective village councils and six tribal bodies of Eastern Nagaland to avoid controversy, said Dr.Anungla. Special song was presented by Angam Khong (Konyak folk singers).                 
Programme was attended by the leaders of Eastern Nagaland, students’ bodies, NGOs, government officials and others. 
The book consists of 15 stories of Konyak community, 12 on Phom, 12 on Chang, 11 on Yimchunger, 15 on Sangtam and 11 on Khiamniungan.