Two books on Ao literature – Süshi Tongpang (Folklores) and Yimjung Apular (Jilushi/Drama) authored by Guru A Mar Jamir were released on February 11 at Aor Kilem, Mokokchung.
Süshi Tongpang was officially released by Ao Senden President Marsanen Imsong, while Yimjung Apular was released by Imtipokyim, General Secretary, Ao Senden. I Temjen Tzüdir, Publishing Head and Coordinator of Ao Riju (Ao Academy), delivered the welcome address and invocation.
Sharing about the books, author Guru A Mar Jamir said that although he has written earlier works, Süshi Tongpang is a small contribution aimed at helping people understand the meaning and reasons behind traditional practices that were once carried out with dao, spear and lamp, often without proper awareness. He noted that while wars and battles elsewhere are widely studied, such knowledge among the Ao people remains limited.
Speaking on Yimjung Apular, Jamir stated that the book is a drama (Jilushi) work. Highlighting the lack of drama-related books in Ao literature despite the presence of many Arangtet-qualified individuals, he said advancement in drama writing remains minimal. The book, he added, was written with the hope that it would serve as a foundation for Ao students and youth. He further stated that any shortcomings in the book are the author’s responsibility, while any useful content belongs to the younger generation.
Padma Shri awardee Sangyusang Pongen, who also attended the programme, delivered a brief exhortation. He acknowledged the Ao Senden for its support, stating that recommendations and backing from the organisation played an important role in his receiving the Padma Shri.
Reflecting on the past, Pongen said that during his early years there were no written records and knowledge was passed down only through oral traditions. He expressed appreciation that today, with written documents and the efforts of institutions like Ao Riju under Ao Senden, there is hope for the preservation of Ao language, spelling and literature. He added that such books would be valuable for future generations and appreciated the efforts behind the newly released works.
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Ao Senden President, Marsanen Imsong, while launching Süshi Tongpang, remarked that writing a book requires wisdom and vision, qualities that connect past generations with the future. He said books remain timeless sources of knowledge, offering strength and understanding to readers. He also encouraged writers and readers to approach corrections positively, support one another through guidance and encouragement, and avoid turning literary works into sources of misunderstanding, calling for mutual understanding between writers and readers.
About the Author:
Guru A Mar Jamir hails from Ungma village and was born in 1955. He is the son of Akangmeren Jamir (GB) and late Kikasangla Longkumtsür. He pursued his education up to Class 10 at his village school and later served under the Sericulture Department, Mokokchung, Government of Nagaland, from where he retired as an Assistant Sericulture Officer. He has been conferred the title of Guru in the field of literature. He married Nükshimenla Longkumtsür in 1984, and the couple was blessed with one daughter and two sons. His wife passed away in 2007, and Yimjung Apular: Jilu (Drama) marks a publication released 18 years after her demise.
Jamir’s earlier published works include Tar Shilu (2016), Tiar Akhüm (2021), and Tar Shilu (Revised) (2021). With the release of Süshi Tongpang (2025) and Yimjung Apular (2026), the author has now added two more titles to his body of literary work.
