Imphal, 8 December 2025: A simple book release ceremony was held this morning at Mary Immaculate Church, Chingmeirong, immediately after the Sunday Mass, marking the launch of Echoes Along the Way, a new poetry collection by Fr Benny James SDB, Director of Ravalico College Hostel, Imphal. The event drew parishioners, religious, educators, and well-wishers who gathered to witness this special moment.
The book was officially released by Rt Rev Dominic Lumon DD, Archbishop Emeritus of Imphal, in the presence of invited dignitaries and the parish community. In a gesture of honour, the first copy was presented to Fr Igness Hans, Rector and Principal of Don Bosco, Chingmeirong. Subsequent copies were presented to Fr Albert Tirkey, Parish Priest; Fr P. F. Vincent, Administrator; Shri Francis Ngajokpa, former Cabinet Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (RD & PR); Sr Regina, Superior of Fernando Convent; Sr Cicy, Superior of Nirmalabas; and Sr Joyce, Superior of Thayong Convent.
Echoes Along the Way, published by BookLeaf Publishing House, has already attracted significant attention for its depth, sincerity, and vivid imagery. The book is available in India, the UK, and the USA, and can be accessed online through leading platforms, including Amazon.
This volume marks Fr Benny’s first published book of poetry, though not his first published work. Well known across the region for his leadership in education and youth formation, he has served as Principal of Don Bosco College, Maram; Provincial Economer; and Principal of Higher Secondary Schools under SEBA and CBSE. During his tenure at Don Bosco College, the institution was awarded the Best NSS College of India, secured 12(B) status, and expanded its capacity to receive direct UGC funding — achievements that reflect his vision and dedication.
The poems in this collection span several decades of Fr Benny’s life, with the earliest written in 1998. Far from abstract or romanticised lines, these pieces emerge from lived reality — moments of joy, encounters with suffering, glimpses of nature’s grandeur, reflections on missionary life, and memories of people and places that shaped his journey. From the serene valleys of Dzükou to the streets of Rome, from hostel corridors to flood-stricken regions, the poems capture experiences with honesty and clarity, allowing readers to visualise scenes as if standing beside the poet.
Comprising 112 pages, the collection features verses both brief and expansive, each carrying a quiet depth that invites reflection. It is no surprise that Echoes Along the Way has been honoured with the 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award, recognising its literary merit and emotional resonance.
Speaking at the ceremony, Fr Benny expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Archbishop, the parish community, and the Ravalicans who assisted in the programme. He shared that the poems are “reflections recollected over the years,” written with joy and renewed through repeated reading.
The celebration concluded with a musical offering by the Ravalico hostellers, followed by the distribution of books. Parishioners were encouraged to take home a copy and experience the beauty of the poems firsthand.
Echoes Along the Way – Poems of Memory, Meaning, and Mercy
Available at: https://amzn.in/d/jdQ12lv
