Kohima, July 22 (MExN): The English Department, Kohima College, Kohima, organized the second series of their ‘Naga Writers Speak’ programme on July 22 at the College Auditorium.
The Speaker for the occasion was Dr. K B Veio Pou, Assistant Professor, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, Delhi University. He is also the author of ‘Literary Cultures of India’s Northeast: Naga Writings in English’. The speaker gave a presentation on ‘Locating Naga Writings in English in the Culture Space of the Naga Society’. Dr. Veio Pou stressed upon how the emergence of Naga writings is a positive step towards preservation of culture as writers are social commentators and that Naga writers are located in the social, cultural image of their people.
Taking into context the writings of Easterine Kire, Temsula Ao, Nini Lungalung and others, the speaker elaborated upon the necessity of always contextualizing literature as ‘Text without context is just pretext’. He stated that Naga writings are essentially cultural by products. No culture is static and so is the case with Naga culture which is in fact, dynamic and alive. Dr. Veio Pou concluded by reminding the audience of the rich story telling tradition of the Nagas and emphasized upon the importance of critically looking into one’s own culture.
A press release from the college stated that the Chairperson for the programme was Moanungla Kevichusa, HoD & Associate Professor (English), Kohima College. Vote of thanks was proposed by Khriezenuo Angami, Associate Professor (English), Kohima College.
