The #KeepStoriesAlive Campaign: Bringing a Biate Story Home 

Imagine growing up never seeing your community's stories in a book. Never finding your language, your traditions, or your grandmother's wisdom reflected back to you from a printed page

We are raising funds to print and distribute "Is She Wise?" —a beautifully illustrated book based on a traditional folktale from the Biate community of Meghalaya, Northeast India.

For the last three years, Anna has traveled from Amsterdam to Saipung village in East Jaintia Hills, immersing herself in the ways and culture of the Biate community. Working closely with the Forgotten Folklore Project team at Sauramandala Foundation, she's dedicated herself to bringing this story to life.

This isn't just a book; it's a vital act of cultural conservation. The Biates are a small tribe, often overlooked and underrepresented. By printing this story, we are ensuring their unique heritage, language, and everyday wisdom are documented, celebrated, and shared with the world, and most importantly, with the community itself.
We need your help to fund the printing, distribution, and essential operational costs of this project. Your contribution will make a forgotten story unforgettable.

Why This Project Matters?
A story is only good if it is shared and re-shared. Our goal is to use the printed book as a bridge:

1. Bringing the Story Home: The physical, colorful book will be sent back to the Biate community, ensuring they can touch, feel, see, and keep a part of their heritage.
2. A Cultural Bridge: The book will be a medium to share Biate culture and life with a wider audience, including other communities, policymakers, and decision-makers, showcasing a unique population often listed under a different tribe.
3. Encouraging Future Conservation: This publication will serve as a model for others interested in culture and environment conservation work.

The Story We're Sharing: Is She Wise?
Is She Wise? is a short story based on a Biate folktale collected in Saipung village, East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. The book is authored by Anna Notsu and illustrated by Gladinia Pyrtuh.

The narrative follows Beibela, a husband who must answer a challenging riddle posed by a Nathial plant in the forest: "Is your wife wise?" This encounter compels him to recognize the profound, everyday wisdom of his wife, particularly her innovative use of the Nathial leaves (a Biate staple) for packing food. The tale is a beautiful celebration of Biate women and offers a glimpse into their culture and life today.

Take a look at the exclusive early drafts of the book on our social media pages.
 
Our Funding Goal
The campaign is planned to run for about two and a half months. We need to raise funds to cover the following expenses:

• Printing of the book.
• Operational and travel expenses to deliver the books.

Contribute and Help Us Reach Our Goal!
No matter how small, your contribution matters. Your support, combined with others, becomes the large resource we need to bring this story to life. As a token of our deepest gratitude, anyone contributing ₹1,000 (approx. USD $15) or more will receive a specially curated TFFP goodie kit. Regardless of the amount, every donor will receive a thank you mention, updates on the project's progress, and a donation certificate from the Sauramandala Foundation.