TAWANG, AUG 25:
Fireside Tales, a collection of stories authored by Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang, was released by Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo at the SP Residence here on Tuesday.
The book release was attended by Tawang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu, Kyidphel Zilla Parishad Member Tenzin Monpa, Jang Additional Deputy Commissioner Hakraso Kri, Tawang Additional Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta, Assistant Commissioners Tenzin Jambey and Thutan Wangchu, Tawang District Veterinary Officer Dr Avang Tamin and other officers and distinguished guests.
Carrying the message “Stories that warm the heart. Roots that connect us,” the book 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 at the release, 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.
Darang said further editions of Fireside Tales are planned and invited members of the public to contribute stories. Selected contributions, he said, would be published with due acknowledgement.
Expressing concern over declining reading habits, Darang stressed the need to revive reading, particularly among children and young people. He thanked Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo for their encouragement and support.
DC Namgyal Angmo appreciated the initiative and described it as an inspiring example of officers pursuing creative and literary interests alongside their official responsibilities. She said such books could help preserve memories, traditions and experiences of earlier generations and reconnect young readers with their cultural roots.
She also noted the growing dependence on digital screens and declining engagement with books, expressing hope that publications such as Fireside Tales would encourage children and young people to rediscover reading.
Tawang District Veterinary Officer Dr Avang Tamin congratulated the author and expressed hope that the stories would reach successive generations and help keep the region’s cultural roots and storytelling tradition alive.
The publication represents an effort to transform oral memories and traditional narratives into a lasting written record, preserving the values, wisdom and voices of generations for future readers. (DIPR)
