6th Semester students of Don Bosco College Kohima seen with the Editors & Publisher during the launch of La Foule- The Crowd.
‘Poetry has the power to unmask injustices and all isms that plague humanity’
Morung Express News
Kohima | June 4
Underscoring that poetry and words are “powerful”, Dr Adenuo Shirat Luikham asserted that “those who wield the written word and give expression to it in the form of verse possess the power to unmask the injustices, prejudices, misogyny, marginalisation, discrimination and all the isms that plague humanity.”
She was speaking at the launch of “La Foule- The Crowd” at Don Bosco College Kohima on June 4. The book that marks the 89th publication of PenThrill Publication House is a collection of 72 poems, written and illustrated by the 6th Semester students (Batch of 2021-2024) of English Department of Don Bosco College Kohima and edited by Dr Adenuo Shirat Luikham and Dr Toshimela. It was formally released by Fr Dr P Suresh, Principal of Don Bosco College, Kohima.
Stating that since time immemorial, humans have pondered, debated and questioned why poetry is necessary, Dr. Adenuo Shirat Luikham further described poetry as “the elixir and essence of life” while underlining that “writing of poetry is a marker of any civilised society.”
She also cited eminent names such as Homer, Aristotle, Plato, and the like who engaged with poetry as a recurrent and vital feature of the intellectual culture of their time. In writing it down and giving breath to it, she said that, “we are passing on innumerable human values.” These, she further asserted, “can withstand the corruption of time.”
Talking about the book, Dr Toshimenla remarked that, “in the realm of poetry, we encounter a myriad of voices, each with its unique perspective and tale to tell.” She further highlighted that each of the 72 poems in the collection is a unique facet of the human experience and form a compelling narrative of emotion, introspection and aspiration.
She also exuded hope that as readers delve into this collection, they would find resonance with the words of the young poets. “May their thoughts and emotions inspire you to explore the depths of your own heart and soul,” she said.
In her publisher’s note, Vishü Rita Krocha lauded the collective effort that went into making the book while congratulating the editors and the contributors and the patronage of the Principal of the college. Stating that the 6th Semester Batch of 2021-2024 has set a benchmark for the other batches to follow, she exuded hope that they will continue to write and go on to bring out their own individual collections or books.
Stating that poetry is an essential part of human culture, she observed that, this is especially true for the Naga culture with the expressions of our forefathers always been lyrical. Expressing hope for future collaborations with the prestigious institution, she also urged the students to make a conscious effort and make time to sit down with the elderly in their respective homes, neighbourhoods, villages or communities and listen to their stories. Whether they document these stories in writing or not, she said, the very exercise would give them an enriching experience in life.
Highlights of the event included invocation by Pikali Assumi, special song by Batch of 2021-2024, vote of thanks by Chathasezo Charles Yhome while Rhilo Mero chaired the programme.
