Mother-son duo releases books in Dimapur

DIMAPUR — Dr. Mary N Odyuo and her nine-year-old son, Janthungo Ngullie, launched their respective books, “My Mother’s Mekhela” and “The Story of Robo” Season I, in Medziphema, on November 6.

The books, published by 6th Finger Publishers, Kohima, were formally launched by Jungmayangla Longkumer, Professor at Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, according to an update.

In her address, Longkumer stated that the two books reflect family bonds, remembrance and imagination. She said the books connect two generations, with one preserving memories of the past and the other exploring new possibilities.

Dr. Odyuo, Associate Professor at Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, said the inspiration for “My Mother’s Mekhela” came from the grief of losing her mother.

Unable to touch her late mother's belongings for eight years, she finally wore her mother's favourite mekhela set after it unexpectedly emerged alongside the one she had chosen. She interpreted the incident as a sign from her mother.

Upon hearing her story, her teacher, colleague and mentor, Longkumer, encouraged her to turn the experience into a book about memories of her mother and coping with grief.

Dr. Mary expressed hope that, through the book, her mother's grandchildren would inherit and cherish a part of their grandmother's memory, despite never having had the opportunity to know her.

Her son, Janthungo Ngullie, a Class IV student of Delhi Public School, Dimapur, conceived “The Story of Robo” during his summer vacation, inspired by a teacher's challenge to spend a day away from technology and use his imagination.

Encouraged by his parents, he developed the idea into a complete comic book during the holidays.