The author of ‘My Days & Nights’ Cham Humtsoe with Mmhonlümo Kikon, MLA and Advisor during the book release at NBCC Platinum Hall in Bayavü Hill, Kohima on June 29. (Morung Photo)
‘Writing poetry is a journey where you need a courage of a different kind:’ Mmhonlümo
Morung Express News
Kohima | June 29
As a prelude to her debut book—‘My Days & Nights,’ Cham Humtsoe, a graduate in Horticulture from Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh wrote that it took her 24 years to know courage, and 7 years to fill the book, which she now calls it home for her chaos and calm.
“This has been my garden for 7 years, and now it’s yours,” she read out from the book during the formal launch of ‘My Days & Nights.’ The 124-page book was published by PenThrill Publication House and released by Mmhonlümo Kikon, MLA and Advisor, New and Renewable Energy (NRE), IT&C, Science and Technology, Government of Nagaland on Wednesday afternoon at NBCC Platinum Hall in Bayavü Hill, Kohima.
Cham Humtsoe said the collection was written over almost a decade and comprises of an array of things including teenage heartbreaks, living and learning. Giving an introduction to one of the poems she read out titled, “Happiness is not a destination”, she said the poem is about living in the moment while pointing out that “we are so fixated on achieving a single goal or chasing a single emotion that we fail to stay in the present.”
She also impressed upon the gathering that, “I truly hope you find the courage to pursue what brings you joy because at the end of the day, it is not about others, it is about you.”
Addressing the launch, Mmhonlümo Kikon remarked that the writing in the book is flawless with words stitched together in a manner which can be described as a breath of fresh air. Dwelling on one of the themes of the book, which is “resilience,” he said that this is something that resonates with everyone. “Anyone who reads this collection will be touched by one thing which is the seamless writing,” he commented.
He went on to say that “when you read a good book, you are disturbed and challenged by the thoughts of the writers but most importantly you are uplifted. This is one such book. It is uplifting.” As a poet himself, he also pointed out that “it is not easy to write poetry” while adding that “it is a journey where you need a courage of a different kind.”
In her publisher’s note, Vishü Rita Krocha noted that today, it may seem like poetry is occupied by only a small and isolated group of individuals with many mainstream publishers also not accepting poetry manuscripts anymore. However, she said that despite this phenomenon, “the role of poetry in the society remains intact and is an important way of penetrating human existence in a number of ways.”
Stating that “Every book ever written, is a unique expression of a unique mind”, she further described the book, “My Days & Nights” by Cham Humtsoe as a riveting collection and deals with a multitude of themes that vary from personal tales, seasons, dreams, resilience, family, simple joys of life, hope and beauty.
Highlights of the event included invocation by Mhonchumo. S Lotha, Pastor, Kohima Lotha Baptist Church, vote of thanks by Dr K Tsemomo Lotha, Retd Additional Director, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland and benediction by Imlongchaba, NBCC, School Coordinator while the programme was chaired by Phoment Chang.
Mention may be made here that ‘My Days & Nights’ is the 57th publication of PenThrill Publication House.
