HT Bureau
DIPHU, Jan 25: The 33rd annual conference of the Karbi Lammet Amei (KLA) – the Karbi literary body – commenced on Saturday at Langpher Karbi Jutang Aklam, Volongkom Aji, located 65 km from here.
The four-day event kicked off with a flag-hoisting ceremony in the morning, led by KLA president Kamsing Hanse, followed by tirim kachikimo – a remembrance of departed contributors to Karbi language and literature. The day was dedicated to late Karbi writer Bonglong Terang.
A seminar on the topic “The importance of prose in the development of literature and the role of youths in it” was chaired by KLA president Kamsing Hanse.
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Speaking at the seminar, Dr Lipson Rongpi, OSD, Diphu BEd College, emphasised that prose serves as a powerful medium for expressing thoughts through stories, novels, and essays. He stated that prose is crucial for enriching literature.
“Prose includes fiction, non-fiction, essays, short stories, and descriptive works that contribute to the development of literature. It allows the expression of individual and collective feelings, facilitates peaceful negotiations, and reflects the character of a tribe or community. For Karbi literature to thrive, prose is an indispensable tool,” Dr Rongpi said.
He also highlighted that the development of prose directly impacts the growth of literature.
Citing a survey by Ethnologue (a research center for language intelligence), he noted that 3,170 languages are currently on the verge of extinction due to the influence of dominant languages and the neglect of mother tongues. He urged parents to teach their children to speak and write in Karbi.
Dr Rongpi also pointed out a positive trend in the use of Karbi over the last decade, particularly in markets, schools, and colleges. However, he stressed that there is still much work to be done to promote the language.
Later, he called on the younger generation to take up prose writing, as it is essential for preserving traditional stories, culture, and practices.
Other speakers, including eminent writers Hangmiji Hanse, Khogen Ingti, and Kabeen Teronpi, also underscored the importance of prose in Karbi literature.
In the evening, a book release function was chaired by KLA vice president Karon Hansepi. Fifteen books and souvenirs were released during the event.
Executive Members of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Surjyo Rongphar (Art & Culture and Health & Family Welfare departments) and Madhuram Lekthe, along with MLA Bidyasing Engleng, released the books.
The event was attended by prominent writers and literary figures from the Bodo, Missing, and Deori Sahitya Sabhas, as well as KLA members.
