SHILLONG:
Shillong based novelist Mario Pathaw launched his first graphic illustrated novel titled “Tynrai” whose literal translation in Khasi means “ROOTS” at Don Bosco Youth Center, Shillong on April 9.
Speaking on the sidelines of the book launch, the author said that “Roots” has two meanings; one is; “the connection between the branches of a tree, and how it strengthens them,” the other being “the traditions and cultures that we learn at home, our manners, the way we communicate with people in the society.”
Pathaw said that the book revolves arounds facts and fictions surrounding nature, and how the book lays emphasis on preserving nature which is degrading day by day. The budding novelist revealed that he wants to make the people aware of the environment through the novel, and the significance it holds for the future.
“The whole idea of the book came to me reminiscing the times when I visited the Nohwet village with my parents. I was amazed and spell bound by its beauty, especially the “JINGKIENG JRI” (Living Root Bridge),” he said.
He stated that the essence of the novel is based on the relationship man shares with mother nature, that is integral for survival, and the novel is basically about the grandfather teaching his granddaughter to preserve, uplift and protect nature, and most importantly the Living Root bridge.
Addressing the gathering, Pathaw said that the work on the novel started in August 2019, and was completed in December 2019, while he was pursuing his studies in IIT Bombay.
The novelist also revealed that it was because of the Covid outbreak that the publication was delayed.
“This however, gave me a chance to further improve the novel. The art of creating an illustration needs consistency and hence all in all it took me a year’s time to fully complete the novel,” he added.
When asked as to whether it was always his dream to publish a graphic novel, he replied that he has always been immersed in the art of drawing since he was a little boy. The desire grew stronger when he studied Communication and Industrial Design at IIT Bombay where he realised that the Khasis can transfer knowledge about their community
through visuals or graphic novels.
Pathaw also revealed that his father (L) Dr. Pascal Malngiang, who is a renowed novelist and author of academic books, made him realise his talent and pushed him to go ahead with the book.
Speaking on the occasion, Frederick Roy Kharkongor, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary of Arts and Culture lauded the young novelist for his works. He added that Pathaw should not limit himself to just novels, but he should aim to achieve bigger goals by taking his work to digital platforms such as Amazon and Kindle.
The event came to an end with a self-composed song, “Ynda lah poi ka por” (When the time comes) by Melvynn Pathaw, and later a vote of thanks by Marcuse Pathaw.