Northeast India's Stories Come Alive in Chennai Event

Picture books featuring monsters from Northeast Indian folklore and a five-course Meghalaya feast are coming together in Chennai this June, proving that authentic storytelling and food can bridge cultural gaps.

Canato Jimo, an award-winning illustrator from Nagaland, will share insights on diverse storytelling at The Hindu Lit for Life Unplugged event on June 5. His latest picture book, "Asamo, is that you?", follows a young girl searching for her companion in the dark while encountering creatures from traditional Northeast Indian myths.

Jimo's approach to children's books is refreshingly inclusive. While his stories are distinctly set in Nagaland, from "Asamo" to "Snip" (a wordless tale about siblings cutting their own hair), the settings never overshadow universal themes that any child can understand.

"As storytellers and artists it is easy to alienate our stories with esoteric cultural nuances," Jimo explains. He strikes a careful balance, making stories relatable while honoring the spaces they come from.

Following the talk, Chef Ahmedaki Laloo from Shillong will present a five-course menu on June 6 and 7 as part of Zhouyu Hosts, a new culinary series bringing chefs from across India and Asia to Chennai. She's bringing 80% of her ingredients directly from Meghalaya, including foraged mushrooms, fermented bamboo shoots from running streams, Lakadong turmeric, and ginger flowers.

The menu highlights indigenous cooking techniques with dishes like charred foraged mushroom with smoked black sesame jus, grilled chicken marinated in bamboo shoot, and a traditional thali featuring vegetables, broths, and pickles. Every course offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Why This Inspires

Jimo's journey from feeling "cautious and even embarrassed" about Naga food to proudly cooking traditional dishes like rusep for friends reflects a broader shift happening across India. More stores now stock Northeast produce, and restaurants are introducing these flavors to wider audiences.

His commitment to human creativity over AI-generated art also stands out. "I will continue looking to collaborate actively with a human illustrator, who would own the story, bring in their point of view, give their opinions, disagreements even," he says.

During the talk, Jimo will discuss how traditional illustration skills remain vital despite AI's influx. He believes authentic human expression and creativity will always have irreplaceable value in storytelling.

The event creates space for underrepresented voices in children's literature while introducing Chennai food lovers to Meghalaya's culinary traditions, one thoughtfully prepared dish at a time.