(Left) Nagaland Chief Secretary Temjen Toy, IAS, author Tiala Imchen and others during the release of the book, “Ao Pioneers Taküm Otsü” (Biography of the Ao Pioneers) at DABA Complex on March 13. (Centre) Rev Dr T Alemmeren and (Right) Rev Dr Noksangchila attending the book release. (Morung Photos)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 14
The emergence of writers and increase in publication of books, both in vernacular and other languages, are reflections of a ‘civilised and tolerant’ society, Nagaland Chief Secretary Temjen Toy, IAS maintained today.
He was speaking at the release of the book, “Ao Pioneers Taküm Otsü” (Biography of the Ao Pioneers) by Tiala Imchen here today at the Dimapur Ao Baptist Church (DABA)’s Complex.
Congratulating the author for her notable achievement, he also expressed happiness over the proliferation of publication in Naga vernacular languages, particularly Ao, in recent years.
Ten years back, apart from The Bible, notable books in vernacular were limited, he said.
Commenting on the book, the Chief Secretary said that the biographies of the pioneers, which most of younger generation may not be aware of, will motivate and challenge them for future.
Most of them from humble background, work selflessly for the society and created an ambient future for us, he said.
However, it should not be taken as a show of pride, but rather learning and motivating to work selflessly for welfare of common goods, he added.
Tiala Imchen, who had authored 5-book before, informed that after the publication of her last book in 2017, she was urged from different quarters, to write the present book.
However, she initially dismissed the idea, as it was a daunting task coupled with the fact that most of them were deceased, some difficult to locate while some have their own biographies.
Imchen finally decided to embark on the journey on November 21 and started her research from next day. It took here over 14 months to finish the book that went to press in January 2019, after exhaustive research including personal interviews and field visitations.
Describing the research for the book as a gripping emotional journey, the author informed it was humorous, fearsome as well as heart-warming.
What stand out are the selfless devotions of each individual for the society, she added, presenting her book as a challenge to the present generation.
Speaking on the occasion, K Temjen Jamir, the Editor-Publisher of Tir Yimyim , said the book was an opportunity to learn from and follow the footstep of the pioneers.
The current state of affairs is insignificant and shameful, compared with what they did and left for us, he said.
The resources and legacies are depleting, but what are we leaving behind for future? Jamir posed, stressing on rediscovering selfless pioneering spirit, taking lessons from the book.
Another commentator, L Chubalepzük called the pioneers the ‘shining stars of their generation’ who are ‘living legends.’
Chairing the event, DABA Associate Pastor Rev Lima Jamir lauded the author’s robust literature review aptly backed by noteworthy empirical researches and presented with the readers’ perspective in mind. The cost of the book (Rs 700) does not suffice with the resources contained in the book, he added.
The book compiled the 25 pioneers in a sequence from oldest to youngest. Four of them - Rev Dr Noksangchila (93-yr). First Ordained Woman Minister from Northeast; Rev Dr T Alemmeren, First Naga Missionary to China; Dr SC Jamir, First Union Minister from Nagaland; and Dr Senka Yaden, ‘Man of Science’ – are still alive. The two Reverend attended the launching event.
Among others, biographies of (lates) Semsalemzung, Dr T Ao, Dr Imkongmeren, Dr Imkongliba, P Shilu Ao, Rev. L Kijung, Padmashree Nokdenlemba, Mayanokcha, Rev Longri, and Rev Dr I Ben Wati are listed in the book.
