Inaholi Asumi with Rev Suhuto N Chishi, Youth Secretary, NBCC. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Pughoboto | December 10
As part of the 75th Anniversary of the Youth Ministry of Sumi Aphuyemi Baptist Akukuhou (SABAK), ‘Kumgha: Blessing’, a book written by Inaholi Asumi was formally released today by Rev. Suhuto N. Chishi, Youth Secretary, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) at Pughoboto.
The title of the book, ‘Kumgha’ is a Sumi term for ‘Blessing’ and was fittingly released during the occasion. The author had dedicated the book to her late grandfather, Rev SA Shihoto, who was the founder of the Christian Endeavour (Youth) as it was known in 1947.
A brief life sketch of Rev SA Shihoto by his son, Joshua Sumi read that “after serving the Lord at Aizuto Mission Centre for 20 years, he left for Pughoboto in 1972, the town which he helped to establish and serve the Lord as the Evangelist of NMM. In 1974, at the invitation of Dr Billy Graham, he attended the Congress on World Evangelization held at Lausanne, Switzerland. In 1976, he was recalled back to Aizuto to serve as the Executive Secretary to meet the challenges of Diamond Jubilee in 1978 for the embracement of Christianity by the Sumis.”
The blurb by Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary, NBCC also read that the book is “a theology of faith- short and to the point! Inaholi has expressed her faith and her confidence in the God she believes. A spiritual Journey of faith penned in poetry. Nuggets for those who like her put complete trust in the God they believe. Straight from the heart to show us that the substance of faith lies in experiencing God at every turn of our lives.”
In her author’s note, Inaholi Asumi shared ‘Kumgha: Blessing’ is an outcome of her personal devotions, sermons she has heard and books that she has read while exuding hope and belief that the reader would be blessed reading it as much as she was blessed writing it. Inaholi Asumi is a nurse by profession and besides writing, she also enjoys indulging in other creative pursuits. The book also carries illustrations by Dr Lalyang Taniyang, who currently works at CIHSR as a consultant.
Publisher, PenThrill Publication House, Vishü Rita Krocha recalled how the author’s first book—‘Akupu-The Bridge, A Flower’ was received very well with a record of having 1000 copies of the book sold within a week of its release. “I stand here today with the same hope that this new book will do even better with your support,” she said.
While maintaining that being a writer in the state of Nagaland is not the most sought after profession nor is it considered a worthy pursuit, she however asserted that writers play a vital role in preserving the rich cultural heritage of any society or place.
Towards this end, she pointed at developing the culture of reading as a prerequisite towards the growth and promotion of literature and urged the gathering to support the growing breed of writers by reading their works. “Even if you did not have personal encounters with books in your childhood, it is still not too late to start,” she said.
Earlier, Rev Suhuto N Chishi, Youth Secretary, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) also dedicated the book with a prayer.
