Two young writers from Ukhrul District of Manipur, Sochanphy A Shimray and Makanmi Horam released their books at Prologue Library, Viewland Ukhrul on Friday.
Co-authored by Makanmi Horam and Sochanphy A Shimray “Echoes of Time, An Ode To Legends” was officially launched by Shanreipam Horam, Mantri of Phungcham Village.
The book titled “Oral Narratives And Symbolism In Naga Textiles” written by Sochanphy A Shimray was released by Dr. Ringkahao Horam, Principal of Pettigrew College Ukhrul. And the other book titled “Plants And Animals In Tangkhul Folklore -Cultural and Symbolic Dimensions” written by Sochanphy A Shimray was released by Tennyson Kashung, President of Tangkhul Naga Awunga Long.
Dr. Ringkahao Horam in his speech lauded the two writers for their work. “Everyone can be a writer. Write in whatever languages you are comfortable with. If you can’t write, record it in audio or visual recording. In the end, you are creating an asset for the community. I encourage everyone to be a writer in their own capacity. And I wish our two young authors best wishes in their future endeavours” added Dr. Ringkahao Horam.
Ningshimyao A Shimray, writer and cultural activist, one of the reviewers stated that, “We have few writers who dwell on the textiles subject. It is indeed a masterpiece on the part of Sochanphy to have come out with such a book. The book will be very useful for the coming generations and will enrich every soul who reads it.”
Ningkhalem Horam, Retd. Assistant Headmaster shared his review of the book “Echoes of Time, An Ode To Legends”. He stated that “The book contains folktales and folkroles mostly of origin from Phungcham village. Many writers have tried to write about the various folktales and folkroles of Phungcham but have failed short of the mark. We appeal to all writers to do passionate research before coming out with their book.”
Horeisung Khamrang, District Mission Manager (MSRLM) Ukhrul stated that “Sochanphy A Shimray, the author of “Plants And Animals In Tangkhul Folklore – Cultural and Symbolic Dimensions” has done a wonderful job. The book is a well researched work based on thorough research based scientific knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.”
Author Makanmi Horam stated that “without the help and guidance of Dr. Ringkahao Horam, this book will not come into fruition. We owe our success to Dr. Ringkahao Horam. Our story was first written by the Britishers or outsiders. They have published in their own knowledge and understanding. However, their research work cannot cover or unearth the whole context. Our writer has not done the necessary correction. We have always reflected and cited their writings without doing the necessary rectification where needed.”
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Sochanphy A Shimray is a cultural researcher and folklorist from Manipur, presently a Ph.D. Research Scholar at the Department of Cultural and Creative Studies, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. Her academic and field-based work focuses on the cultural traditions of the Naga communities, with particular emphasis on the Tangkhul Nagas.
She brings a multidisciplinary lens to her research, engaging with oral literature, material culture, social folk customs, and the performing arts. Her current research explores the symbolic and ecological roles of plants and animals in Tangkhul folklore, shedding light on indigenous cosmologies and environmental ethics. With a strong foundation in both historical and ethnographic methods, she holds a Bachelor’s degree from Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi, and two Master’s degrees one in Ancient Indian History, Culture, and Archaeology from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, and the others in Folkloristics from NEHU, Shillong.
Shimray has presented her research at various national and international conferences, contributing to academic discussions on indigenous knowledge systems, folklore studies, and cultural continuity.
She is the author of The Folk Narratives of the Tangkhul Nagas (2021; expanded edition, 2022), and Reinventing Folk Textiles for Contemporary Society: The Tangkhul Naga Perspective (2024). Through her research and writing, she remains committed to preserving and critically engaging with the intangible cultural heritage of Northeast India.
Makanmi Horam is a writer and poet from Ukhrul, Manipur, whose work reflects a deep commitment to the preservation and revitalization of indigenous storytelling traditions. With a postgraduate degree in Social Work (MSW) from CMS College of Science and Commerce, Coimbatore, he brings a unique perspective that blends human development insights with cultural introspection. Though academically grounded in social systems and community well-being. Horam’s literary pursuits are firmly rooted in the oral traditions and folklore of Northeast India. His writing seeks to bridge ancestral memory with contemporary expression, offering readers a textured understanding of identity, love, and the spiritual resonance of indigenous life. He is the author of Velvet Whispers (2023), a lyrical collection of romantic poetry that explores themes of longing, emotional intimacy, and the quiet power of love. Through his work, Horam reimagines folklore as a living, breathing force-one that continues to shape the cultural landscape of his people. Writing under his own name, Makanmi Horam invites readers into a world where personal sentiment and collective heritage meet, crafting stories and verses that honour the past while speaking to the present.
The books are published by Sunmarg Publishers and Distributors, Delhi.
