The Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) Press successfully launched three new children’s books, Picnic and Pine Needles, Rain – U Slap, and Taptung Tangthu: Paite Folktales for Children, during the Winter Tales Festival held at Ward’s Lake on 12 December 2025. The event marked a significant milestone for the University Press as it continues its commitment to promoting regional literature and multilingual storytelling.

The programme opened with a welcome address by Dr Larilin Kharpuri, Pro Vice Chancellor, who highlighted the importance of the occasion, noting that Taptung Tangthu represents the first publication of folktales in the Paite language by the MLCU Press. The books launched are bilingual editions, English–Khasi and English–Paite, reflecting the Press’s ongoing efforts to support linguistic diversity and encourage reading among children in their mother tongues. In the same address, Dr Larilin Kharpuri also led the official launch of the new MLCU Press logo, which has been incorporated into all three newly released books.

The Vice Chancellor, Dr AA Mao, spoke on the significance of publishing literature from the region, stressing the need for institutions to nurture local voices and cultural heritage. He then led the official release of the books, joined by children from the audience who were invited onto the stage to participate in the launch, adding joy and enthusiasm to the moment.

Following the release, the authors of the three books shared brief introductions to their works, offering insights into the stories and the creative processes behind them.

The event concluded with a series of engaging games and activities organised by the MLCU Press, where children participated with excitement and energy, contributing to a lively and memorable celebration of literature.