Book release function of “Indigenous Flowers of the Monsang Land: Sirti Paamna Isuwh Rii” was held on Wednesday with strict adherence of Covid 19 protocol at Liwa-Sarei Community Hall, Chandel.
The small gathering was attended by Upa Ng. Gilbert, President SUR as Chief Guest, Upa Kh. Mobershing, President MOA as Guest of Honour, Upa Ng. Maipakngam, Chairman SER as Function President and Upa Rev. Alani Shongsir, Exe Secy MNBCA as Blessing Minister. Prominent Monsang leaders, church elders and student leaders also attended the function.
Speaking on the occasion, Upa Ts. Ngamtin, author of the pictorial book and also Chief of Liwa-Sarei village recollected the memories of the enormous challenge he undertook since 2015 to study and record the vanishing flowers from Monsang forest land at the backdrop of extensive deforestation and jhuming cultivation culture.
As per the research finding noted in the book, 129 flowers of various types were found of which mostly are orchids perched either on trees along the river/stream side or are found inside the deep and dense mud forest. The flowers are available in the season of summer, rainy, autumn and winter according to the author.
Upa Ng. Gilbert in his speech expressed his profound gratitude to the author for taking up such challenges apart from his village chieftain responsibility. The vision to safeguard and protect the endangered species of flowers found in Monsang land is commendable. According to him, though Monsang inhabited territorial areas are small yet there are plenty of research to be done from cultural and academic perspectives. He also emphasized the young students to shoulder the responsibility to research and write more in future.
The officials on the dais in their speech appreciated the author for showing an exemplary work. The book is believed to serve as reference and guide for more studies in future.