A collection of poems in Tangkhul written by a young writer, Iknguira L Shimray entitled Angayung was released on Sunday at Phungyo Baptist Church, Ukhrul in a solemn programme with the pastor of Phungyo Baptist Church, Rev Zaklei Kaping. This is her first book.
Speaking to this IFP correspondent, Shimray said, “Since my childhood, I have always loved reading and writing, and whenever, I can take out time or when I am free, I love writing poems and writing.”
“God has exceptionally blessed the Tangkhuls. As we progress from generation to generation, we are seeing a lot to learn and there are very knowledgeable individuals among us. Unfortunately, while we strive for better education to fit in the world’s stage, we seem to have forgotten or sidelined our roots. My poems are based on our tradition and culture to express my concerns,” added Shimray.
She further said that her first book ‘Angayung’, which means roots, is an attempt to collect all the beautiful Tangkhul words which are on the verge of extinction. She had written the book to remind the Tangkhul people that how rich is their custom, tradition and language.
“With this book, I want to prove how wrong we are in assuming that the Tangkhul language has limited vocabulary. At the same time, I want to remind and encourage our youths that we have the responsibility to collect, accumulate and promote our rich language. I hope that everyone who reads this will learn something, as little as it may be,” she said.
The book contains 115 pages of 24 original poems by Iknguira L Shimray. She was born on July 27, 1996 and is a teacher by profession. The book will be available at Iwui Book Store, Wino Bazaar, Ukhrul for Rs 200. Few of her poems published in social media were well received.
