Promote local language: Advisor Mhathung Yanthan

Advisor of Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, on Monday released two books authored by Rev. Dr. Yanbemo Lotha, pastor of Lotha Baptist Church, Dimapur—“The Naga Returnees: Rebuilding Lives Post Covid-19 Pandemic” and “Basic Lotha (Kyong Yi) English Yilanglita (Conversation)”—after a dedicatory prayer by Rev. R. P. Murry.
Lauding the author’s dedication, Yanthan described book writing as a “special gift from God” requiring discipline, research and perseverance. He commended Rev. Yanbemo for his commitment despite his pastoral duties and his active role in supporting communities during the pandemic. He reminded that with government approval for introducing local languages in academics, it was time for Lotha writers to produce works that could be inducted at the degree level. He further stressed the need to consult literature boards before releasing books to ensure clarity and avoid confusion among students.
Speaking on the publications, Yanthan said “The Naga Returnees” captures the experiences of the pandemic period, serving as both a reminder of those difficult times and an encouragement to face future challenges with resilience. The second book, he noted, addresses the decline in the use of mother tongue among younger generations, appreciating efforts to preserve linguistic heritage.
Principal Secretary for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, and Parliamentary Affairs, Y. Kikheto Sema, who served as the overall in-charge of Nagaland’s special team during the Covid-19 pandemic, reflected on the unprecedented challenges faced during the crisis while sharing his concern on “The Naga Returnees: Rebuilding Lives Post COVID-19 Pandemic.”
Kikheto recalled the sudden outbreak in early 2020 as a “devastating emergence” that triggered panic and a nationwide lockdown. With Dimapur identified as Nagaland’s gateway, the government constituted a special team on April 2 to spearhead awareness campaigns and manage the anticipated influx of returnees. Authorities expected over 20,000 returnees, nearly 65% from Dimapur and adjoining areas. Despite logistical hurdles and resistance from local councils in setting up quarantine centres, the state established 52 such facilities across the erstwhile Dimapur district. He highlighted efforts to bring back stranded citizens, noting that 13 special trains and 35 buses were arranged, beginning with the first train carrying 2,469 returnees on May 22, 2020. By late May, several returnees tested positive, with nearly half eventually infected.
COVID-positive individuals were treated in Dimapur while others were sent to different districts, he said. Kikheto also shared the emotional toll of the pandemic, recalling with sadness that in some cases, there was no one present even to offer prayers for those who succumbed.
Describing “The Naga Returnees” as a powerful documentation of human endurance and compassion, he said the book captures the journeys and silent acts of courage that defined the period. “This work will serve as a lasting record for future generations,” he added.
Dr. S. Ekonthung Ezung, Associate Professor, ETC Jorhat, presented the thematic essence of “The Naga Returnees”, describing it as a critical examination of struggles faced by returnees during the pandemic, including transportation issues, quarantine challenges, healthcare access and social stigma. He said the book raises important theological and practical questions for the Church, calling for a shift from fear to compassion, from charity to dignity, and from reactive to proactive ministry.
Professor Ezamo Murry, former principal, ETC Jorhat, highlighted “Basic Lotha (Kyong Yi) English Yilanglita (Conversation)” as an important resource for preserving and promoting the Lotha language through accessible educational tools.
He termed the simultaneous release of two books by a single author as a rare and commendable achievement, noting that while one book preserves linguistic and cultural identity, the other restores dignity by documenting lived experiences during the pandemic.
Murry praised Rev. Dr. Yanbemo’s academic discipline, pastoral commitment and prolific writing, noting that he has authored eight books to date. He recalled the author’s active role during the pandemic, stating that while many retreated into safety, Rev. Dr. Lotha reached out to affected communities, assisting returnees in Dimapur and extending support to villages in Wokha district. Describing “The Naga Returnees” as a work of “lived theology,” he said the book integrates real-life experiences with theological reflection and practical ministry, challenging the Church to move beyond charity towards dignity and from relief to restoration.
Speaking at the release programme, Rev. Dr. Lotha expressed appreciation to all guests, scholars and supporters who contributed to the successful unveiling of his books. He reflected that writing was more than theology, as it involved his personal participation and lived experiences during the pandemic.
He noted that the process of documenting those moments was both challenging and deeply meaningful, mentioning that the books stand as a testimony of faith, resilience, and community solidarity during unprecedented times. The programme, chaired by Rev. K. Thenjamo Tsanglao, began with an invocation by Rev. Lanlongo Yanthan and concluded with a benediction by Pastor Meripeni Lotha.