TAWANG, Aug 25: Fireside Tales, a collection of stories authored by Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang, was released here on Tuesday by Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo.
The book, carrying the message “Stories that warm the heart. Roots that connect us,” seeks to preserve local stories, cultural memories and the traditional practice of storytelling for future generations. It carries a foreword by Chief Minister Pema Khandu and has been illustrated by Mich Tarung.
Speaking on the occasion, SP Tasi Darang recalled the tradition of families gathering around fireplaces, where elders narrated stories, shared experiences and passed knowledge and wisdom to younger generations. He said these memories and the traditional culture of storytelling inspired him to compile the stories in written form.
He informed that further editions of Fireside Tales are proposed and invited members of the public to contribute stories. Selected contributions, he said, would be published with due acknowledgement to the respective contributors.
Expressing concern over the declining habit of reading, Darang emphasised the need to revive and encourage reading, particularly among children and young people. He thanked Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo and all those who supported the initiative.
DC Namgyal Angmo appreciated the creative initiative and described it as an inspiring example of officers engaging in literary and creative pursuits alongside their official responsibilities. She said publications such as Fireside Tales would be valuable for future generations as they preserve memories of the past and help young readers connect with the lives, traditions and experiences of earlier generations.
The DC also expressed concern over changing reading habits, noting that increased screen time has gradually drawn people away from books. She expressed hope that such publications would encourage children and young people to rediscover the joy of reading.
DVO Dr Avang Tamin congratulated the author and expressed hope that the stories would pass from one reader to another, keeping cultural roots, memories and the age-old tradition of storytelling alive.
The function was attended by Tawang ZPC Leki Gombu, ZPM Kyidphel Tenzin Monpa, Additional Deputy Commissioners Hakraso Kri and Rinchin Leta, Assistant Commissioners Tenzin Jambey and Thutan Wangchu, other officers and distinguished guests.
Fireside Tales is an effort to transform memories once shared around the warmth of the fireside into a lasting written record, preserving the values, wisdom and voices of earlier generations for readers of the future. (DIPRO)