The Konyak Literature Board (KLB) has launched a book titled “A Descriptive Grammar of Konyak Language” on Friday at the Konyak Union Conference Hall, Mon.
Member of Parliament (MP) Rajya Sabha Phangnon Konyak who graced the ocassion as the guest of honour congratulated the KLB and the authors Pangersenla Walling and Nikay Besa, on the completion of the book. She commended their efforts noting that Nagas have traditionally preserved their heritage through oral history, but the younger generation and emerging scholars are now playing a vital role in transforming the oral legacy into written documentation.
She encouraged the youth to cultivate a passion for reading and writing in the Konyak language and to pursue scholarly and literary research, bridging ancestral history with written records.
KLB chairman S Manlip Konyak who gave a brief overview of the book project during the event, spoke about the formation of the KLB and also the establishment of the project, which commenced in 2017. He thanked former minister EE Pangteang Konyak, Konyak Union, Konyak Village Councils, Konyak VDB Association, well-wishers, and the entire community for their support throughout the board’s journey.
He offered special acknowledgement to the board members and Rev. Peihwang Wangsa, Dr. Yanang Konyak, Rev. T Honlong, Nikay Besa and Pangersenla Walling for their dedication in bringing the Konyak grammar book to fruition, stating it would serve as an asset for the Konyak community. The book will be available for purchase at the Literature Board Office for Rs.1000, and the Word Dividend Rule Booklet for Rs.100, he informed while encouraging all Konyak citizens to buy a copy to help promote and enhance spoken Konyak within the community.
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Deputy Commissioner Mon, Wennyei Konyak in his short speech lauded the Konyak Literature Board under the leadership of Manlip Konyak on the successful completion of the Konyak grammar book. He also called upon all Konyak citizens to purchase a copy of the book as a step toward preserving and strengthening the use of the Konyak language in the community.
Prof. Pangersenla Walling, one of the authors of the book, expressed gratitude to former minister EE Pangteang Konyak for his generosity in supporting both the author and the Konyak Literature Board in their journey. She mentioned that while the Konyak Grammar is being released today, the next goal of the Board is to work on the Konyak Dictionary. In this regard, she appealed to the Konyak leaders and the public to extend their continued support for the upcoming endeavour as well.
Co-author Nikay Besa, who is a research scholar at Nagaland University, also shared her thoughts on the publication. She acknowledged all those who contributed for the growth of the Konyak language. She expressed hope that the book would serve as a valuable resource, a source of inspiration, and a spark to encourage others in the continued journey of documentation, preservation, and cultural pride.
To the younger generation, Besa urged them to cherish their mother tongue. While learning foreign languages is important, she reminded them not to forget the value of writing and contributing to the literature of their language.
Giving a brief address, Pangteang Konyak emphasised the need for the KLB to operate actively and be supported with adequate funding to promote the Konyak language at the university level. He called upon the elected Konyak representatives and community leaders to come together in unity and strive for the advancement of the Konyak language, even in higher education.
Other highlights of the programme included a thanksgiving prayer by Rev. L. Metjen, Executive Secretary of KBBB, and a traditional folk song performed by the Hahmongchi Cultural Society (Women), Mon Town. Words of appreciation were offered by Nyei-ang, Konyak Language Officer, and the programme concluded with a benediction by Rev. E. Yeangphong Konyak, District Chaplain.
