Tening, April 8 (EMN): In a major achievement for the Liangmai community in the field of literature, the much awaited book on alphabets and dictionary in their own vernacular was officially launched for public consumption during a programme held at Tening village council hall on April 7.
Publication of the book was an outcome of a long journey involving painstaking and arduous research by committed members of the committee entrusted by the Liangmai Literature Committee Nagaland (LLCN). The book was published after more than two decades since the inception of the committee.
It was during the meeting of LLCN in April 1995 at Tening village wherein a 11-member committee was constituted for the purpose of bringing out an alphabets and dictionary in Liangmai dialect. Sadly, in the journey of more than two decades, five members have predeceased before the book could see the light of day.
It may be mentioned that Liangmai is a conglomeration of a larger Zeliangrong community residing in parts of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.
The book was officially launched by the advisor for Water Resources, Namri Nchang, in the presence of both the LLCN and dictionary committee members. Addressing the gathering, Nchang expressed disappointment on the attitude of the present Naga generations who have developed admiration towards western culture and literature without any regard for their own culture and language.
Stating that languages of the respective tribes are a gift from God, Nchang said it would be a sin to demean one’s own language. On the contrary, he implored the upcoming Liangmai generation to promote their mother tongue and enable it for studies at the university level.
An elated advisor was optimistic that the newly launched dictionary in Liangmai language would be the base toward developing a common literature among the Zeliangrong community.
LLCN chairman, N Wizabo, and the convenor of alphabets and dictionary committee, M Ringsangbo, also spoke on the occasion.
Meanwhile with the completion of the five year tenure, LLCN has elected new team headed by Neiba Newmai as chairman, Kaibakam as vice chairman, Mezikam as secretary, Dibai as assistant secretary, Raithu as treasurer. Besides, LLCN has appointed one member each from all the Liangmai villages including representatives from Peren town, Jalukie valley, Dimapur and Kohima.
