Fireside Tales, a collection of stories authored by Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang, was released on Tuesday by Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, IAS, at the SP Residence in Tawang.
The book was released in the presence of Tawang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu, ZPM Kyidphel Tenzin Monpa, Additional Deputy Commissioners Jang Hakraso Kri and Rinchin Leta, Assistant Commissioners Tenzin Jambey and Thutan Wangchu, DVO Tawang Dr. Avang Tamin, other officials and distinguished guests.
Carrying the message, “Stories that warm the heart. Roots that connect us,” Fireside Tales seeks to preserve local stories, cultural memories and the traditional practice of storytelling, while passing cherished narratives and values on to younger generations.
The book carries a foreword by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and has been illustrated by Mich Tarung.
Speaking at the release ceremony, SP Tasi Darang recalled the traditional practice of families gathering around fireplaces, where elders would narrate stories, share experiences and pass knowledge and wisdom to younger members of the family. He said these memories and the rich tradition of oral storytelling inspired him to document the stories in written form.
Darang said further editions of Fireside Tales are proposed and invited members of the public to contribute stories. Selected contributions, he said, would be published with due acknowledgement to the respective authors.
Expressing concern over the declining reading habit, the SP stressed the need to revive and promote reading, particularly among children and young people. He thanked Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo for their encouragement and support, as well as the officers and guests who attended the event.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo appreciated the literary initiative of the Tawang SP and described it as an inspiring example of how government officers can pursue creative and literary interests alongside their official responsibilities.
She said books such as Fireside Tales would be valuable for future generations as they preserve memories of the past and help young readers connect with the traditions, experiences and lives of earlier generations.
Reflecting on changing reading habits, the Deputy Commissioner noted that people today spend considerable time on digital screens and are gradually moving away from books. She expressed hope that publications such as Fireside Tales would encourage children and young readers to rediscover the joy of reading.
Congratulating SP Tasi Darang on the publication, DVO Tawang Dr. Avang Tamin expressed hope that the stories would pass from one reader to another, keeping cultural roots, memories and the age-old storytelling tradition alive.
The publication of Fireside Tales represents an effort to preserve stories deeply rooted in Tawang’s land, people and traditions through the written word. By transforming memories once shared around the warmth of a fireside into pages for future generations, the book seeks to keep alive the wisdom, values and voices of the past.
From fireside memories to printed pages, Fireside Tales is more than a collection of stories—it is an effort to strengthen the cultural connection between the past, present and future.
