Itanagar, Nov 23: Indigenous Publishing House (IPH), the first independent publishing house of Arunachal Pradesh, successfully hosted a book discussion on Himbintach: Tale of a Transcended Beauty, the debut work of author Lopa Rebi Kojum.
The event was held on Sunday at the JN State Museum, Itanagar, as part of the World Heritage Week celebrations, in collaboration with INTACH Arunachal Chapter led by convenor Oken Tayeng (MLA) and co-convenor Kari Lombi.
Marking IPH’s first public literary programme, the event served as a significant milestone in the publishing house’s literary journey. The discussion featured prominent literary and academic figures including Dr Bompi Riba and Dr Doyir Ete, assistant professors of English at Rajiv Gandhi University. Director of Research, Sangeet Dubey, was also present.
Speaking at the event, Yumlam Tana, Deputy Director, Education Department, and well-known poet and author of The Man and the Tiger, commended the Indigenous Publishing House for creating a platform that amplifies tribal voices. He also shared a brief history of the evolution of literature in Arunachal Pradesh and stressed the importance of preserving and narrating indigenous stories such as that of Himbintach.
A folktale of the Tagin community, Himbintach has been vividly brought to life through Rebi’s narration and the evocative illustrations of artist Tomar Tomsai Nayam.
In his address, former Director of Trade and Commerce, Tokong Pertin, highlighted the rise of the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS), noting with pride how far the organisation has grown from its humble beginnings.
The session was hosted by Wango Socia, PhD scholar in Hindi at RGU, and moderated by Topi Bagra, guest faculty in the Department of English at Dera Natung Government College, who ensured an engaging and well-structured discussion.
The programme concluded with insightful observations and critiques by Dr Bompi Riba and Dr Doyir Ete, which enriched the deliberation on the book. A lively Q&A session followed, with the audience posing questions on the themes, significance, and contemporary relevance of the folktale.
Indigenous Publishing House, founded by Jummi Yomcha, general secretary of APLS Delhi Branch, along with Creative Director Deni Lombi, extended heartfelt gratitude to all participants and expressed hope for continued collaboration in its future literary initiatives.