Imphal, July 26, 2026: YAI Publications organised the book launch ceremony of The Mystic Tales of Kangleipak, authored by Mutum Mir, on Sunday at Ewakpham, Lamboikhongnangkhong Road, Uripok, Imphal.
The programme, held at 1:30 p.m., brought together scholars, cultural thinkers, writers and well-wishers to reflect on the importance of preserving folklore, promoting cultural heritage through writing and encouraging young minds to carry forward the identity and traditions of Kangleipak.
The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Naorem Thoinu, Founder of YAI Publications. Vidyapati Senjam, former Vice-President of the Sanamahi Temple Board, attended as Chief Guest, while culturologist Ningthouja Lancha and Dr. N. Pramod Singh, Head of the Department of Law, Dhanamanjuri University graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.
Dr. Ranibala Khumukcham, Assistant Professor in the Department of Manipuri and concurrent faculty member of the Department of Folkloristics at Dhanamanjuri University, introduced the book during the programme.
Speaking as Chief Guest, Vidyapati Senjam encouraged young minds who are working hard to preserve and promote the rich heritage of folklore through writing. He said such efforts are important because folklore carries the memory, values and cultural imagination of a people.
He also observed that writing can take the folklore of Manipur beyond local boundaries and place it before a wider global readership. Young writers, he said, have an important role in presenting the heritage of Kangleipak with seriousness, creativity and responsibility.
Guest of Honour Ningthouja Lancha appreciated today’s youth for keeping identity and culture alive. He said the involvement of young people in cultural expression, documentation and literary activity reflects their concern for inherited traditions.
He noted that identity cannot be sustained only through memory. It must be practised, written, discussed and transmitted to future generations. In this regard, he appreciated the initiative of YAI Publications and the author for contributing to the preservation of cultural knowledge.
Dr. N. Pramod Singh, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Law, Dhanamanjuri University, spoke on freedom of expression, sharing of ideas and access to information without fear of punishment. Referring to Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India, he highlighted the importance of free expression for writers, scholars, publishers and citizens.
He said literary and cultural work requires an atmosphere where ideas can be expressed responsibly. His address added a constitutional dimension to the programme by connecting writing, knowledge and public discussion with democratic rights.
Introducing The Mystic Tales of Kangleipak, Dr. Ranibala Khumukcham placed the book within the broader context of Manipuri folklore and cultural memory. She explained that such works help document stories, beliefs and traditional imagination that continue to shape the cultural consciousness of Manipur.
The book reflects an effort to engage with the mystical and cultural narratives associated with Kangleipak. Through this work, author Mutum Mir contributes to the growing body of writing that seeks to preserve folklore for present and future generations.
The event also reflected the importance of local publishing initiatives in Manipur. At a time when oral traditions are increasingly affected by social change, migration, digital culture and weakening intergenerational transmission, books remain important instruments of preservation.
YAI Publications’ initiative was seen as part of a wider effort to encourage writing rooted in local culture while making it accessible to new readers. The programme concluded with appreciation for the author, dignitaries, speakers and participants who contributed to the event