Book on tribal folktales of Arunachal Pradesh launched; contributors feted at RIWATCH

Arunachal Pradesh:  A book titled “The Songs of the Teteyii: Selected Folktales from the Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh' was officially launched during the Celebration of International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage at RIWATCH. The book was officially released by Shri Sokhep Kri, Director, Department of Indigenous Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, alongside Prof. Ranjit Singha, Retired Professor, Dibru College, Dibrugarh, and Smt. Lui Shiba, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Lower Dibang Valley District.

Edited by Dr Kombong Darang, Dr Vilhousienuo Neli and Dr Mechek Sampar Awan, this book is the culmination of a folktale writing competition organized by the RIWATCH Centre for Mother Languages (RCML) in 2024. Eight folktales from different tribes of Arunachal Pradesh were selected and compiled for publication. Dr. Awan, Centre Head of RCML, noted that this publication represents a comprehensive effort to promote and revitalize the oral traditions and languages of the state's diverse tribal groups. The folktales serve as a window into the worldview, values, and beliefs of these communities, reflecting their unique perspectives on life, nature, and human relationships. Bringing these stories into print ensure their accessibility to broader audiences while reinforcing their significance in contemporary discourse around cultural preservation.

The event honoured all the contributors to the publication, with special recognition for Dr. Prem Taba (First Prize), Nima Dorjee (Second Prize), and Subinay Mannow (Third Prize), who received certificates and prizes for their scholarly contributions.

Dr. Darang, one of the editors, emphasized that the book reflects RCML's ongoing mission to sustain the tradition of storytelling. He stressed that beyond documentation and promotion, "it is equally important to sustain our culture by practicing it in our daily lives." This sentiment underscores a crucial perspective on cultural preservation—that true sustainability of traditions requires not merely archival efforts but active engagement and practice by community members, particularly the younger generation, ensuring these narratives remain vibrant and relevant for future generations.