Dimapur, April 13: A book launch ceremony for two publications authored by Rev. Dr. Yanbemo Lotha was held at the Lotha Baptist Church in Dimapur on April 13, bringing together church leaders, government officials, scholars, educators, and members of the public to celebrate the author's literary contributions and commitment to preserving community history and language.
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| Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan launches books authored by Rev. Dr. Yanbemo Lotha during a book release programme at Lotha Baptist Church, Dimapur.(Image: DIPR Nagaland) |
The event was attended by Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan, who graced the occasion as the special guest and formally released the two books. In his address, Yanthan commended Rev. Dr. Lotha for his dedication to writing and community service, particularly during the challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Describing writing as a "special gift from God," Yanthan said that producing meaningful literature requires patience, discipline, extensive research, and a strong sense of commitment. He noted that books play a vital role in preserving culture, documenting history, and educating future generations. The advisor encouraged aspiring writers from the Lotha community to contribute more literary works, especially at a time when indigenous languages are increasingly being incorporated into academic curricula and educational programmes.
He also stressed the importance of developing a reading culture among young people. Observing the growing dependence on digital devices, Yanthan urged students and youth to spend more time reading books, saying that books provide deeper knowledge, critical thinking skills, and a richer learning experience than mobile phones and social media platforms.
Speaking at the programme, Principal Secretary Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS, reflected on the unprecedented challenges faced by Nagaland during the Covid-19 pandemic. He recalled how thousands of Nagas stranded in different parts of the country had returned home amid lockdowns and travel restrictions. He noted that the experiences of these returnees, along with the efforts and sacrifices made by frontline workers and Covid warriors, form an important chapter in the state's history.
According to Sema, documenting these experiences is essential to ensure that future generations understand the hardships, resilience, and collective efforts that helped communities overcome one of the most difficult periods in recent history.
The two books released during the event were "Basic Lotha (Kyong Yi) English Yilanglita (Conversation)," a publication aimed at promoting and preserving the Lotha language through practical conversational learning, and "The Naga Returnees: Rebuilding Lives (Post Covid-19 Pandemic)," which chronicles the struggles, adaptation, and resilience of Nagas who returned home during the pandemic and rebuilt their lives afterward.
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In his remarks, Rev. Dr. Yanbemo Lotha expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the publication of the books and thanked the organisers, guests, and well-wishers for their support. He said the books were written with the hope of preserving valuable knowledge, experiences, and cultural identity for future generations.
The programme concluded with a benediction offered by Pastor Meripeni Lotha, marking the end of a meaningful event that celebrated literature, language preservation, and the enduring spirit of the Naga people.
