Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong
Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), Shillong, observed ‘World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development’ by releasing four books on Meghalaya and Northeast, India. The content of these four books were on tribal health, culture, traditions and society.
To commemorate the launch of the book on May 21st 2024, a program was conducted at MLCU Hall, Nongrah Campus, Shillong. Numerous dignitaries namely Barnes Mawrie (Author of the book – Khasi Ethics), Amabel Susngi (Author of the book – Ha Yupiam ka Bei), Patricia Mukhim, Desmond Rimaki Sunn (Artist Musician and Radio Jockey), Neha Naqvi (Project Coordinator, Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, RLS), Professor Sukalpa Bhattacharjee (English Department, NEHU), Dr Sandra Albert (Director, Indian Institute of Public Health, Shillong), Dr Glenn Kharkongor (Chancellor, MLCU), Malcolm D. Roy (Pro Chancellor, MLCU), and T. K. Kharbamon (Vice Chanceloor, MLCU) were present at the event.
The welcome address was given by Dr Larilin Kharpuri (Dean, Research and Publication) who briefed the attendees on the significance of the program and also about the journey behind the production process of the books.
This was then followed with a traditional chanting by students of MLCU. They wore different traditional attires, representing the different tribes of Northeast India.
Thereafter, Barnes L. Mawrie, the author, delivered a speech expressing his appreciation to Martin Luther Christian University for publishing the book, and also highlighted the significance of the book as it is in its third edition.
The second book launched was titled ‘Ha Yupiam ka Bei’ (On Mother’s Lap), a collection of traditional lullabies from the Khasi, Jaintia and Ri Bhoi districts of Meghalaya. Desmond Rimaki Sunn (designation?) who launched the book, did not give a speech as he took the creative route and sang a song, “Jing Kylla ka Por” (The Change of Time) from his second music album of the same name. The song was about past childhood days, which was very suited to the book released.
The third book launched during the event was titled ‘Waiting for an Equal World: Gender in India’s Northeast” which is the second edition of the book, written by Patricia Mukhim. Before the book was launched, Professor Sukalpa Bhattacharjee gave a speech stating how the first edition of the book was well-received by researchers and academicians, and how the 2nd edition will go a long way to contribute to the scholarship of Northeast region, especially with the book’s special mention of the current conflicts in Manipur.
The fourth book launched was titled, ‘Tribal Health and Wellbeing in Meghalaya, India’ which is in collaboration with Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS). Dr Alka Kharsati, a Khasi traditional healer, released the book. On the occasion, she spoke on the importance of such literature and how it bridges the gap between traditional and modern medicine. Ms. Neha Naqvi, Project Coordinator, Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS) Germany’s South Asian branch, stressed on how this book in itself is an impeccable force towards the preservation of traditional knowledge systems within the influences of constant evolving global social transitions.
Of the four books, three of them were made available for purchase, as a book sale was also conducted by the Department of Publication. The book that was not made available for sale on the day of the event was ‘Tribal Health and Wellbeing in Meghalaya, India. In conclusion, a total of forty-six books were sold at the event.
