The Mystery of the Cave, a book written by Glenn C Kharkongor, translated into Khasi by Patricia Mukhim with illustrations by Careen J Langstieh, was released at Mawmluh, the site that served as a source of inspiration for the story, today.
The book is published by Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) Press. Kharkongor is Chancellor of the university and Langstieh an associate professor there.
The book was launched last year during the Shillong Literary Festival 2023 and has now been released at Mawmluh during a function that included Mukhim, Langstieh, the local Sirdar P Kharwanlang, members of the Mawmluh Tourism and Allied Activities Cooperative Society and university officials.
Teachers and students from Ramakrishna Mission Higher Secondary School, Nabon Sawian Memorial Presbyterian Secondary School and Roban Sing Memorial Lower Primary School also attended the programme.
Mukhim said that the idea for the book was inspired by the cave at Mawmluh and the presence of stalagmites in the cave had helped determine the onset of what is now known as the Meghalayan Age. “The book is a fictional story of exploration that also contains information concerning elements and species found inside the cave along with illustrations that will help students visualise what they look like,” the noted journalist added.
She encouraged the students to explore the cave with their teachers under the guidance of a guide so as to get a better understanding about their surroundings. “Many of the local residents know little about their surroundings compared to visitors from outside who know a whole lot more; this makes it important for us to take the initiative to learn about the environment we live in so that we can educate others to respect our surroundings and prohibit them from littering,” she added.
A brief story-telling session was conducted by Langstieh, who narrated the story about Mewan and Iba from the first few pages of the book and showed the students illustrations that sparked curiosity and engaged the young minds.
The Sirdar of Mawmluh thanked the representatives of MLCU for the initiative of publishing a book that not only educates but inspires children to appreciate the beauty and importance of caves while also emphasising the importance of educating others who visit our cave to preserve cleanliness.
