Book on folktales of Dzongu released

GANGTOK, 05 Feb: ‘Dzongu Nye Mayellyang Sikkim’, the first book by Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha was released by the HRDD Minister, NK Pradhan in a function organized by the Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association [SLYA] today.
The book has a foreword by writer Gener “Ghjie” V Talan of Philippines and is a compilation of folklores of Noom Panang, Nayving Cave, Mulongmung Cave, a love story of Sumfuk Punu and Lungzong, Fenn and others. It has been mentioned that these classic folklores of Dzongu have never been put on paper before and are aptly supported by photographs of different locales and people around Dzongu.
After releasing the book, the HRDD Minister congratulated Sonam Wangchuk for his first book on Dzongu and appreciated the beautiful and informative manner of presentation.
“People who go through this book will get an idea about the culture and background of Dzongu,” said Mr Pradhan.
Sonam Wangchuk hails from Noom-Panang in Dzongu and is a 3rd year BCA student of SMIT, Majhitar at present. A writer and photographer, he is the son of Sherap Pintso Lepcha and Dukmit Lepcha.
Speaking to NOW! Sonam said that anyone could look up the general information on Dzongu online but this book would help people to know how Dzongu looks like as it mostly contains photographs of Dzongu. While, the folktales in the book were passed onto him by his late grandfather, Naku Tshering Lepcha.
“My book is inspired from the beautiful and mystical places of Dzongu, which is really a paradise on earth,” said Sonam. Another objective behind writing this book, added Sonam, was to encourage people to save the rich culture and traditional heritage of Dzongu.
He expressed his gratitude to his parents, family members, friends and all well-wishers who supported him in this project. While, SLYA members expressed that it was a matter of great honor that someone like Sonam from the Lepcha community had taken such an initiative.
The book is priced at Rs 500 and interested persons can also contact sonamWC.lep@gmail.com or 098007-24684. The book will be available in the market soon and part of the sale will go towards charity.