Rajya Sabha MP, H.H Leisemba Sanajaoba, has released L. Somi Roy’s second book of translated work titled “And That is Why… Manipuri Myths Retold”, at his Palace residence in Imphal today.
The book is an illustrated collection of retellings from Manipuri mythology, a press release said.
The book is published by reputed publishing house, Penguin Random House India under the Puffin imprint.
The mythological stories in “And That is Why” are derived from text – both manuscripts and modern publications – and oral sources, the release said.
They are gathered chiefly from writer and producer Thokchom Thouyangba Meitei, pena balladeer and folklorist M. Mangangsana, archivist Chanam Hemchandra, and with additional historical research by Wangam Somorjit, it further said.
The twelve tales in “And That Is Why” are illustrated by modern Manipuri artist Sapha Yumnam based on the traditional art of illustrated Manipuri manuscripts such as the subika and khutlou, it added.
Profiling the author, the release said L. Somi Roy is a cultural conservationist, and the translator of the works of his mother, the Manipuri writer M.K. Binodini Devi.
It said Roy’s published translations of Binodini include her historical novel Boro Saheb Ongi Sanatombi (published by Penguin Random House India in 2020 as a Penguin Modern Classic titled The Princess and the Political Agent); memoir essays Churachand Maharajgi Imung (The Maharaja’s Household: A Daughter’s Memories of Her Father, 2015); her play Asangba Nongjabi (Crimson Rainclouds, 2012); and screenplay Imagi Ningthem (My Son, My Precious,1981).
It further said Roy is the founder trustee of Imasi: The Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi Foundation. The book is now available at Ukiyo Bookstore, Imphal.
