L-R: Keduonietuo Yhome (Pastor) Vishü Rita Krocha (Publisher) Khrieletuonuo Yhome (Author), Dr. Medongu-ü Khruomo, Vice Principal, GHSS Chiechama, Saktum Wonti (Cover Artist) and Pekruvizo Dzüvichü (Illustrator) during the launch of “Longings” at The Highland Institute Kohima on September 12.
PenThrill’s 124th publication - ‘Longings’ released
Morung Express News
Kohima | September 12
Khrieletuonuo Yhome, an assistant researcher at The Highland Institute, who grew up loving poetry, today made her debut as an author with her first collection of poetry titled, “Longings: Poetry effused in the midst of love and betrayal” published by PenThrill Publication House as its 124th publication.
The book was formally released by Dr Medongu-ü Khruomo, Vice Principal, GHSS Chiechama at The Highland Institute, Kohima on September 12. In her author talk, Khrieletuonuo Yhome recalled how she was impressed to read poems in a school magazine while she was in Class 9. Then she wrote her first poem while in Class 10 and said that, “at that time, I never imagined where those first few lines would eventually take me.”
Speaking of inspiration, she cited that a book titled, “A Bucket of Rain” authored by Vishü Rita Krocha in 2011 was one of her biggest inspirations in her writing journey and recalled copying poems from the book onto pieces of paper while in college. In this regard, she thanked her classmate and now colleague, Sholu Movi for introducing the book to her.
Stating that today was a moment she had imagined for a very long time, she also said that it feels meaningful to have her first book published by PenThrill.
Her book, “Longings,” she said is more than a collection of poems and more of a collection of “emotions, memories, questions, hopes and moments from different stages of life.” Describing writing as a way of expressing things that are sometimes difficult to say aloud, she expressed that, “poetry became one way of giving those feelings a voice.”
“There is also a part of me in these poems that is learning to accept, to understand myself better and to move forward,” she added.
‘A book truly comes alive when it is read’
Observing that Nagas are blessed with rich oral traditions and songs, Dr Medongu-ü Khruomo, Vice Principal, GHSS Chiechama said that the author is carrying this forward in a new style.
She also underscored that a book truly comes alive when it is read and urged everyone to reflect on their own stories while reading the book. She further remarked that writing a book is never an overnight achievement but takes days, months and years while wrestling with words and making sacrifices along the way.
Towards this end, she commended the author for the courage she has shown especiallg when we live in a culture driven by social media, likes and shares. She stated appreciation for her profound sincerity, fueled by immense courage and investment of time and energy, and further wished her many more successes in her journey as a writer.
Publisher, Vishü Rita Krocha noted that every book that PenThrill publishes marks a significant milestone in the life of an author while also highlighting the challenges of publishing fresh authors, whose names are new in the industry considering that publishing is still a relatively new concept in the state.
She however expressed joy in amplifying the voices from Nagaland and preserving the rich stories through publishing, and urged the gathering to continue supporting Naga literature.
During the programme, Keduonietuo Yhome, Pastor, Phezoucha Baptist Church said the dedicatory prayer while Kekhriengunuo Shüya presented a special number and Kikrulhoutuonuo Perpetua chaired the programme.
