Tura, June 5: Retired Meghalaya educator Dilip R. Marak has chronicled a lifelong friendship and an enduring love story in his debut English book, Love at First Sight, which was released on Thursday by Dr. Crystal Cornelious D. Marak, Secretary of the A·chik Literature Society (ALS), at a programme held at the author’s residence in Sunny Hills, New Tura.
The book narrates the life of Marak’s close friend, Ambrose T. Sangma of Baghmara, while also capturing the enduring bond shared between Ambrose and his wife, Batildha. The event was attended by academicians, writers, friends and family members from the Nengminja and Rema clans.
Speaking as the chief guest, Dr. Crystal Cornelious D. Marak observed that biographies serve as valuable records of individual lives while also reflecting the social and historical contexts in which people lived. Such works preserve stories of perseverance, dedication and achievement for future generations.
He congratulated the author on his commendable effort and expressed hope that the publication would inspire others to document meaningful life stories. She further noted that a translation of the work into Garo would enrich Garo literature and contribute to the growth and preservation of the language.
Guest of Honour Sengjrang N. Sangma, Principal of Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Tura, observed that literature flourishes through diverse forms of writing and that books remain a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Rev. Nicky N. Sangma, Pastor of Tura Baptist Church, encouraged the gathering to cherish every day as a gift from God and to reflect on life’s blessings with gratitude.
Love at First Sight marks Dilip R. Marak’s first venture into English writing. The book chronicles the life of his close friend, Ambrose T. Sangma of Baghmara, with whom he shared a lifelong friendship rooted in a common dedication to education. Both men served as Headmasters of Government U.P. Schools and devoted their lives to nurturing young minds and strengthening education in their communities.
Born on June 7, 1956, in Dalu Dapgre, Dilip R. Marak began his education at Gimegre L.P. and M.E. Schools before studying at Tura Multipurpose Higher Secondary School. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tura Government College in 1981 and a Bachelor of Education degree from the Post Graduate Training College, Shillong, in 1991.
During his long career in the Education Department, Marak served as Headmaster in several government schools before being promoted to Sub-Inspector of Schools and eventually retiring as Sub-Divisional School Education Officer in 2018. As a dedicated education officer, he travelled extensively to remote and isolated villages across Garo Hills.
Among his notable contributions was the establishment of an SSA L.P. School at Rongcheng, beyond Balpakram, reflecting his commitment to expanding educational access in some of the region’s most remote areas. He was also widely known for his passion for photography and trekking.
Beyond being a biography, the book offers a moving account of the enduring love shared by Ambrose T. Sangma and his wife, Batildha. Through sensitive storytelling, Marak portrays a relationship marked by affection, commitment and mutual respect, while also preserving the life story of a fellow educator whose journey was closely intertwined with the social and educational history of the region.
The publication adds to the growing body of literature emerging from Garo Hills and underscores the importance of documenting personal histories, friendships and community experiences for future generations.
The programme was compered by Dr. Tangme Marchina N. Sangma, Assistant Professor, Department of English, KL University, Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh.
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