Contributors of the book seen with mothers and participants of the programme during the launch of ‘The Story Keeper Book of Mothers’ at Hotel Japfü Kohima on May 9.
‘The Story Keeper Book of Mothers’ released
Morung Express News
Kohima | May 9
In a rare gathering to honour and appreciate mothers, PenThrill Publication House brought together mothers from all walks of life at Hotel Japfü, Kohima on the eve of Mother's Day, celebrating the resilience and unconditional love of mothers -a universal language that is felt and experienced across generations.
The event marked the formal release of its 121st publication and the first series of The Story Keeper Book Series titled, “The Story Keeper Book of Mothers” edited by Vishü Rita Krocha. Featuring 30 narratives in the form of poetry, short story and personal essays, contributed by 23 storytellers, the book was formally released with a Mother's Prayer by Neitsanuo Tepa.
“This book is a heartfelt tribute to the quiet sacrifices, the fierce protection, and the unconditional grace that defines motherhood,” stated Vishü Rita Krocha in her address. She also highlighted that, “every contributor has reached back into their memory to capture a specific light—a lesson learned at a kitchen table, a lullaby that lingered, a fond memory of a mother figure who filled the void of the absence of a biological mother, or the strength of a woman who built the best world possible, for their children to exist in.”
More than just publishing a book, she underlined that, “the volume is a living testament to the women who have shaped us, and continue to shape us, in profound and often unseen ways, ensuring that while time may pass, their stories remain safely held within the pages of the Story Keeper Series.”
She further spoke about the vision of The Story Keeper, an independent bookstore that opened in July last year as the retail store of PenThrill, featuring Think Designs managed by its inhouse designer, Jabu Krocha.
Since its inception, she stated, “we have envisioned The Story Keeper as a place where stories can continue to live, by way of transforming oral traditions to the written word.”
In this regard, she also underscored the need to preserve oral traditions while emphasising that they are fragile and if unrecorded, she said, “they eventually die with the speaker, whose memory we exclusively rely on, to get a sense of our cultural identity.”
This is where The Story Keeper Book Series came into being, she said, “as our humble attempt to document everyday ordinary lives of Naga people because we believe that stories shape lives, and live forever.”
Stating that “Mothers are the anchors of our past— our first teachers, our everyday heroes, and the architects of our future”, she added that, “it is only fitting that our journey begins with them.”
In her welcome and introduction, Mhalesinuo Krocha noted that Mother’s Day isn't just a date on the calendar; but a time to reflect on the profound architects of our lives.
“Mothers shape our characters, nurture our wildest dreams, and stand by us through every storm with a brand of love that is as silent as it is powerful,” she put across.
She further urged the gathering not to limit their appreciation to Mother's Day but commit “to supporting, cherishing, and honouring our mothers every single day” while also expressing that, “Let us recognize that they have dreams and aspirations beyond their roles as caregivers, and let us be the source of their strength, just as they have been ours.”
Themmungla Raman Longkumer, Clinical Psychologist & Founder of The Cloud Room Kohima (Centre for Counseling & Psychological Assessment) spoke on “What it means to be a mother”. Other highlights of the event included a special number by Dr Keneilhoulie Medom, Anaesthesiologist & Managing Director, KOHIMAS Hospital Kohima and a reading by Sochumlo Suki Ezung while Kopele V Tepa, Founder, Bumblebee Inclusive School Kohima chaired the programme.
