A book entitled ‘Ficus Khasiana’, on Meghalaya’s living root bridges that have become famous around the world, was released today.
The book has been authored by Ian Lyngdoh. It was released by Rajya Sabha MP Dr Wanweiroy Kharlukhi here today.
Speaking on the occasion, Kharlukhi said that the book will be an eye-opener to the people who do not know about the bridges or who want to gain a better understanding of them.
“I say that the living root bridges are one of the main wonders of the Khasi people. We also have roads constructed by our kings, monoliths and traditional medicines and we are a proud race yet to be fully discovered by the rest of the world since we are located in a remote part of the country,” he said.
He reminded that while the world is speaking about women’s empowerment the women in the state of Meghalaya are already empowered through the matrilineal system.
He also said that while others talk about protecting the environment here in the state we already have the sacred groves in places like Mawphlang where forests are protected by the local communities.
The MP further urged people not only to read the book but to find out more about the state and places that have historical importance.
Prof Desmond L Kharmawphlang said that this book is the first of its kind where an indigenous man has written about the living root bridges.
“The most significant thing about this book is that the author was not only able to tell about the living root bridges but also tell about the context of the Khasi people that have coexisted among the root bridges and have tales and references in our folk stories, which shows the central presence these root bridges have in our culture and the importance to preserve the environment,” he said.
Earlier Commissioner and Secretary in the Arts and Culture Department, Fredrick Kharkongor, said that the author has done a commendable job and captured and articulated well the three pillars of conserving our pristine nature, protecting our vibrant culture and cherishing our precious legacy.
The book comes at an opportune time when the state is making a pitch about getting UNESCO’s coveted world heritage site status for the living root bridges, Kharkongor added.
