The Red Rhododendron Songs: An Anthology of Tangkhul English Poems by Prof. A. C. Kharingpam is a powerful literary collection that brings the voice, soul, and cultural memory of the Tangkhul Naga community into the broader landscape of Indian English poetry. The anthology stands as both a creative and cultural document, preserving indigenous sensibilities while engaging deeply with contemporary human experiences.
The symbol of the red rhododendron, a vibrant flower native to the hills of Manipur, becomes a recurring metaphor in the collection, representing resilience, beauty, identity, and rootedness. Through evocative imagery and lyrical expression, the poems explore themes of homeland, tradition, displacement, love, struggle, conflict, and spiritual longing. Prof. Kharingpam skillfully weaves folklore, history, and lived reality to reflect the emotional landscape of his people.
What makes this anthology particularly significant is its use of English to convey native thought, rhythm, and worldview. The poems retain the cadence of oral storytelling while engaging with modern poetic forms. Readers encounter village life, ancestral wisdom, ecological harmony, social injustice, and the scars left by political turmoil. The poet’s voice remains both intimate and collective—personal in emotion yet reflective of a shared community experience.
Prof. A. C. Kharingpam’s scholarly depth is evident in the thoughtful crafting of language, symbolism, and philosophical insight present throughout the anthology. The work not only enriches Indian English poetry but also creates an important space for voices from Northeast India that have long remained underrepresented.
The Red Rhododendron Songs is more than a poetic collection; it is a cultural bridge connecting tradition with modern expression. It will deeply resonate with readers interested in indigenous literature, identity, nature, and the enduring strength of human spirit.