CM Neiphiu Rio along with NDPP President Chingwang Konyak during the book launch of titled, ‘My Life Story,’ at Niathu resort. (Morung Photo).

Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 8
An autobiographical book authored by Chingwang Konyak,National Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), President titled, ‘My Life Story,’ was launched by Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio on Friday at Niathu resort, Chümoukedima.
The book details the early life, education and more than five decades of the political career of Chingwang providing insights into his personal life and experiences through Nagaland’s political history. Born on April 24, 1943, at Shiyong village Mon district, Chinwang made his foray into politics at the young age of 25 years and became the youngest minister in India as Minister of State in 1969. Since then, he has went on to serve as MLA for seven times and Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) twice during his political career.
Rio in his address regarded Chingwang as a pioneer leader in the development of Nagaland and for the Eastern Nagas in particular. He praised the leadership skills of the party President for his seasoned experience in managing crises and temperament to speak to people with reason andunderstanding. As President of NDPP, Chngwang has been able to bring the party to power in NLA election for two consecutive times, he mentioned. The CM also highlighted the various leadership positions Chingwang had donned as an MLA, MP, and Minister holding different responsibilities.
“When we approached him to be NDPP President, we were in a very bad shape,” he said. Yet inspite of the party crisis, Chingwang managed to wade through the challenges, he added.
As a politician, one had to make considerable sacrifice, Rio noted and for Chingwang even after retiring from active politics, continues to serve the people even in his old age. “In politics, him or anyone of us have faced ups and downs, we made so much sacrifices but our reward is condemnation and criticism,” he remarked.
Among the achievements and defeats of the NDPP, the CM made a point to mention that the recent loss at the Lok Sabha election had not been a political defeat but rather an ideological one. To buttress his claim, Riorefereed to the follow up win during the ULB election where the party managed to sweep the polls.
Chingwang Konyak giving his author’s note shared that, “I never thought someday I would write my own story and therefore did not think of keeping detailed records of events that transpired.”
This journey started in 2014 when I officially retired from active politics, he added. Further noting that the thought process had been to recollect and begin writing about my story. “I hope my story will shed some light on past events for the younger generations and bring back memories of our childhood,” he said.
Published and printed by Heritage publishing house, DrAsanglaTzudir while giving her publisher’s note said that each individual has a story to tell. For Nagas, the process of writing began with outsiders first documenting us through their perspective, she noted. Making a call toward the need for the people to begin writing their own stories, she reminded that one needed to be responsible in telling narratives as well.
On the autobiographical book she stated that, “It is not only the story of the author but a story of the Konyak community and the Nagas as a testament of resilience.”