Meghalaya’s tales wow in Italy: ‘The Tunes of Kongthong’ and ‘When a Huro Sings’ make waves at Bologna

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 10, 2024

Two publications from Meghalaya, “The Tunes of Kongthong” penned by Auswyn Winter Japang and brought to life with illustrations by P. Mario K. Pathaw, alongside “When a Huro Sings,” authored by Nandan Joshi and vividly illustrated by Imlijungshi Ltr, have earned the spotlight at the NBT (National Book Trust) Exhibit during the esteemed Bologna Book Fair in Italy, held from April 8th to 11th, 2024.

These literary masterpieces are the fruits of the Forgotten Folklore Project, initiated by the Sauramandala Foundation. This foundation, committed to finding locally relevant solutions, employs a Public-Problem-Solving framework known as the Centre for Accelerated Development (CFAD). The Bologna Book Fair, a global stage renowned for its celebration of children’s literature and illustration, has chosen to highlight the exceptional quality and cultural significance of “The Tunes of Kongthong” and “When a Huro Sings” at the National Book Trust Exhibit.

The honour of showcasing these works on an international platform was bestowed upon Storywell Books, the publisher behind both titles. Their nomination for the prestigious Bologna Book Fair aimed to showcase the diverse and rich folklore of Meghalaya to a global audience.

Reflecting on this remarkable achievement, Lanu Tsudir, the driving force behind the Forgotten Folklore Project, expressed, “We are filled with excitement and anticipation for the future of The Forgotten Folklore Project (TFFP) and its impact on early childhood education and cultural preservation in Meghalaya and beyond.” Tsudir also emphasized the significance of continuing to preserve and celebrate Meghalaya’s cultural heritage on the global stage.

Through the project’s endeavors, 45 contextual storybooks have been carefully curated from the three regions of Meghalaya, spotlighting traditional tales, folklore, and practices. This initiative not only seeks to safeguard these stories but also ensures their transmission to future generations, fostering a deep sense of pride and connection to their cultural roots.

What adds to the significance of this achievement is the physical journey of these books to Italy, where they were showcased at the stall, providing a global platform for the vibrant folklore and rich traditions of Meghalaya.

Looking ahead, Tsudir expressed eagerness to collaborate with stakeholders, partners, and communities to continue curating contextual storybooks, nurturing pride and connection to cultural roots, and enriching the landscape of early childhood education in Meghalaya and beyond.

The National Book Trust, as the apex government body for literature, recognizes the importance of promoting indigenous literature and cultural heritage on an international platform, further underscoring the significance of this achievement.