Agnes Tepa (left) with Principal Director of School Education, Kesonyü Yhome, IAS, releasing “Adventures of Lhüsaku & Other Stories.”
KOHIMA: “Adventures of Lhüsaku and Other Stories”, written by poet and teacher educator, Agnes Tepa was launched today by Principal Director & Joint Secretary of School Education, Kesonyü Yhome, IAS, at Ozone Café. The book is a collection of short stories with Lhüsaku as the main character for the most part, and dwells on the pristine childhood of Lhüsaku, that is deeply entrenched in the Naga way of life, especially back in the 80s and 90s.
Speaking at the event, Agnes Tepa said that the book is based on real life incidents, and can be read by all age groups. Further pointing to the exhibits displayed at the venue, she said, some of those are belongings of the main character while the rest of the exhibits are representation of some significant incidents in the life of Lhüsaku. She expressed hope that young readers would be able to enjoy the book as it is about childhood, while also hoping that the adult readers would be able to relate and relive their younger days when they read the book.
Kesonyü Yhome, who read the book beforehand, noted that Lhüsaku is a character that almost every Naga can relate to and appreciated Agnes Tepa for keeping alive the cherished traits of “our” forefathers, which, he said, are simplicity, honesty and equality in their ways of life. He impressed upon that literature is a reflection of the society and hypothesis of life and in this regard, stated optimism that local writers like Agnes and others would continue to promote “our” culture in this manner.
The author is a University Gold Medalist, a recipient of the Governor’s Gold Medal, and also the first recipient of the Mayangnokcha Award Trust North East Running Trophy. She co-authored “Echoes of Spring”, which was published in the year 2008, wherein a poem written by her, titled, “Beauty” is included in the school curriculum and being studied by students of class 6. Her short story, titled, “The story of a Naga Muslim” also appeared in the book, “Of voices and paper”, a collection of contemporary short stories from Nagaland.
“Adventures of Lhüsaku and other stories” is the second publication of PenThrill Publication House. The first imprint, “Four Shades” was launched last November.
Highlights of the event included prayer by Rev. Dr. Niu Vihienuo and special song by “Upright”. Vishü Rita Krocha gave the publisher’s note while the programme was chaired by Theyiesinuo Keditsu.
