RONO HILLS, 10 Oct: A book titled A Psychological Exploration of Lived Experiences in Contemporary Tani Families was released during the World Mental Health Day programme at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) here.
The book is co-authored by Dr Leeyir Ete, psychologist and Project Research Scientist-II for an Indian Council of Medical Research project at the Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies (AITS), RGU, and RGU Psychology Department Assistant Professor Dr Dharmeshwari Lourembam.
Drawing on the lived experiences of Tani adults in Arunachal Pradesh, the book explores childhood and family relationships in a society where monogamous and polygynous families coexist amid changing ways of life, and turns attention towards an often less-heard perspective of the children growing up within these families. Beyond family structure and the everyday responsibilities of parenting, the book examines the emotional experiences through which children come to understand themselves and their family relationships.
The release carries particular relevance to the 2026 World Mental Health Day theme, 'Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change', which calls for people with lived experience of mental health conditions to help shape the decisions and services affecting their lives.
The book offers a related invitation within family research to listen closely to people's accounts of growing up, and to recognise what their experiences can teach about emotional needs, relationships and support within contemporary tribal families. For parents, this opens a space to reflect on how children experience the care they receive. For educators and mental health professionals, it encourages a closer understanding of the family and cultural contexts behind an individual's story.
Blending research with real-life narratives, reflective questions and activities, the book also gives readers an opportunity to revisit their own family experiences.
Written for parents, educators, mental health professionals and anyone interested in the emotional life of families, it brings a locally rooted perspective to questions that reach across generations.
The release took place in the presence of the TRIHMS Psychiatry HoD Dr Tame Kena, RGU Social Sciences Dean Prof Nani Bath, RGU Students' Welfare Dean Prof Nabam Naka Hina, AITS Director Prof Jumyir Basar, and other dignitaries.
RGU Vice-Chancellor Prof Shivaraj congratulated the authors on their commendable work and the publication of the book.
