Morung Express News
Kohima | September 12
“If our creative writers have written and contributed so much to literature, what kind of impact is it creating? And how are we, the readers, responding to these?” These were questions put across by Dr. Vizovono Elizabeth while giving the introduction of the book, “Insider Perspectives: Critical Essays on Literature from Nagaland.” The book written by her and Dr. Sentinaro Tsuren is a Barkweaver Publication and was released by the Principal of Baptist College Kohima, N. Delhu Khate this evening at Rivenburgs Memorial Chapel.
Impressing upon that “it is pertinent to introspect and look into ourselves and learn from what is reflected in our literature, for literature is said to be the mirror of life”, Dr. Vizovono Elizabeth emphasized that “writing is a very important creative activity which reflects the current thoughts and beliefs of a society as it encapsulates contemporary experiences and immortalizes them for the future.” While also observing that in recent years, there has been an outburst of creative writing among the Nagas, she especially acknowledged writers like Easterine Kire, Temsula Ao, Nini Lungalang and Monalisa Changkija who have contributed much to Naga literature in English.
Critical works, she said, “are a must in order to enrich and nurture our literature so that it will grow and develop to greater heights.” In this regard, she pointed to Delhi-based Dr. K.B Veio Pou’s book “Literary Cultures of India’s Northeast: Naga Writings in English” and Fr. AJ Sebastian’s book “Critical Essays on Naga Poets and Fiction Writers in English” which are the only collection of critical essays on Naga writing to have emerged from Nagaland so far. Duly acknowledging both of them, she said that this book is a “is a humble endeavor to continue what has been initiated by their predecessors and to keep alive the need for reflection on what we can learn from our literature.”
Giving her comments on the book, Poet & Teacher, Nini Lungalang said, “the critical mind has to be equipped with knowledge and not just hearsay or information” while impressing upon that, “this is where a book like this becomes most essential.” She also said that” Literature is actually a record of human emotions and feelings filtered through individual experiences.”
Further stating that a critic must have the detachment to present a written work to a reader without personal involvement, which is a very difficult work to do, she said, “these two young ladies have taken the tremendous task of revealing to us the reading public, interpreting and giving us deeper insights.” “With literature like this, we find ourselves coming back to our roots to be reunited with the things that make us what we are”, she added and lauded the authors for a work so meticulously researched, so painstakingly done, and presented with such good taste.
Releasing the book, N. Delhu Khate, Principal of Baptist College, Kohima asserted that “we are in a sort of an emergency situation” since ours is an oral history and many elders in the villages are going away. “I think those people who can write and who has the gift…you have to cope up with this situation in gathering our stories, traditions, cultures, folklores, etc”, he said.
He however said it is encouraging to see many writers coming up and congratulated the authors for their progress and achievement as well as Barkweaver Publications for weaving another book.
Dr. Sentinaro Tsuren read out the publisher’s note on behalf of Barkweaver Publications which said, “Barkweaver is pleased to present the book, “Insider Perspectives” by Dr. Elizabeth Vizovono and Dr. Sentinaro. It has become increasingly important to have insider criticism and insider reviews of Naga writing so that readers and students can get the most relevant critiques on Naga writing. Many researchers are on the lookout for books like this one, and Barkweaver takes great pleasure in wishing the authors great success with the book.”
Highlights of the event included prayer by Pastor Kedo Peseyie, City Church Kohima, song by Zawe and Amos while the programme was chaired by Lhutu Keyho. The book is priced at Rs. 300/- and is available at CROSSWORD Kohima, Academic books and www.ilandlo.com.
