By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 21: First six story books celebrating Meghalaya’s cultural heritage were unveiled as part of the ‘Forgotten Folklore Project’ of the Sauramandala Foundation, which launched the books in partnership with the state government.
The books were designed with the vision of delivering contextually relevant content for the children of Meghalaya and represent the initial batch from a grand collection of 45 storybooks meticulously curated as part of the project.
Each of these books seeks to capture the intricate cultural nuances, diverse lifestyles, rich flora and fauna, and the fascinating history of Meghalaya’s various communities. They are designed to provide young learners in Anganwandis and primary schools with the opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of Meghalaya’s heritage, contributing to early childhood development in the state.
The launch event, held in collaboration with the Department of English, St Anthony’s College, Shillong, brought together a diverse gathering of like-minded individuals and organisations from the region.
Speaking as a special guest for the event, Director of School Education and Literacy, Swapnil Tembe, said “With the new gadgets and platforms like social media, we find ourselves drifting away from our culture. Reviving these stories is a win-win situation for everyone. It’s crucial to emphasize context, especially in the realm of education.”
After the book launch, young students in attendance were treated to a captivating story reading session led by Mebanda Blah Dkhar, featuring two of the newly published titles, Ambi’s Little Things and The Tunes of Kongthong.
The event reached its culmination with a stimulating panel discussion centred on the theme, ‘Preserving Cultural Identity Through Storytelling: The Significance for Early Childhood Development.’
The six published books and 39 more in the pipeline are the result of a year-long journey. The team invested a substantial amount of time and effort in visiting communities, comprehending the cultural nuances, and collaborating with storytellers and artists from the region to ensure that every character and every book is tailored perfectly for the children.
The project aims to bring a shift in the early childhood education of children in Meghalaya, offering them the opportunity to connect with their rich heritage through engaging stories and characters.
The Sauramandala Foundation and its partners are committed to preserving and celebrating the unique culture of Meghalaya for generations to come. With 39 more stories yet to be revealed, the future looks promising for Meghalaya’s young readers.