“You Are Destined for the Skies”, the English best seller by Fr Alfonso Elengikal SSP, national President of Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA), is now available in Khasi language of Meghalaya State, as well. The Khasi edition of the book (Phi Long Kiba Kyrpang!) was formally released in Shillong on Thursday 29th June, by Most Rev. Dominic Jala, sdb, Archbishop of Shillong, and the Chairman of the North East Bishops Conference. The present volume is the first Khasi book to be published by Better Yourself Books, Mumbai.
The book is translated into Khasi by Ms Virgina Mawlong, the senior librarian of the Sacred Heart Theological College, Shillong. The first copy of the book was presented to Rev. Sr Mildred, the Provincial Superior of the RNDM Sisters. Speaking on the occasion, his Grace said: “The beautifully produced book, particularly targeted at young people, comes at a time when good Khasi books are very few and reading habit is gradually declining among the Khasi youth.” Strongly affirming that a “reading nation” is a healthy nation, he said that this book comes at the right time and is a step in the right direction, and is sure to see many reprints like the original English best seller.
Introducing the book and its publishers, Fr Alfonso Elengikal said that the Society of St Paul with its pioneering brands (St Pauls & Better Yourself Books) has contributed immensely to the regional language apostolate of the Church in India with numerous titles in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Assamese and now in Khasi.
Felicitating the author-translator duo, Fr Alfonso and Ms Virginia Mawlong, and thanking them profusely for their present contribution to Khasi literature, Fr Barnes Mawrie, sdb, the President of the Sacred Heart Theological College, said that the book Phi Long Kiba Kyrpang has set a new trend and has shown a new direction to those engaged in publishing work. Hearty congratulations to Fr Alfonso. (Prepared by Teresa Lyngdoh)