‘Nagas are making good progress in literature’

Nagaland Literature Festival Concludes

Morung Express News
Jotsoma | December 4 

Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu, former chief minister of Nagaland and one of the most celebrated writers in Angami literature with over 40 books to his credit placed on record that “Nagas are making good progress in literature.” He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the two-day Nagaland Literature Festival at RCEMPA, Jotsoma where he also highlighted the story of ‘Tenyidie literature’.

In 50 years’ time, he said, Ura Academy, the state’s highest literary body, has produced 1000 books that cover almost every aspect of creative writing. Reiterating that we are not lacking behind in this field, he remarked that the Tenyidie has a small circle as opposed to those who write in English. “You have engaged yourselves in the international field of literature without borders and limits”, he pointed out in this regard.

But in the meantime, he emphasized that, “while you are making good progress, do not forget your local languages also. I request all of you not to forget your roots because even your achievements in the international level should have a link to your roots.”

Literature, he further added, “is a form of expression put on record and that remains.” He also stated belief that the Naga way of life, the culture that we have is of the highest order and standard. “We have our songs, history, poetry, also system of administration. I strongly believe that Naga forefathers must have enjoyed or lived a life with some sort of civilization at one time. And during that time, they must have developed the culture, their beautiful customs, songs, dances, language and also the administrative system,” he articulated.

Therefore, he went on to say that “our culture must be an ancient one” while pointing out that “we can see that even after many hardships and changes taking place in the history, our culture survives.”  “Our forefathers might have migrated many thousands of miles and in the course of migration, they must have lost many things but not everything”, he also added.

Delivering the ‘Way Forward’, Vishü Rita Krocha of Writers Collective Kohima, expressed that the literature festival would go a long way in strengthening the literary community of our state. “It also gives you a chance to meet your favourite author, find new ways to enjoy literature, discover more authors, improve your writing, and above all, I think it promotes the culture of reading, which is one of the most crucial things we must advocate if we are to see the growth of literature in our state”, she put across.

She also stated belief that “we are on our way, as a community that is also beginning to feel and know the importance of writing and publishing” and further added that “we should continue to engage people in this manner not only to popularise literature but also because in doing so, we are contributing to preserving the rich heritage and stories of our land, for future generations.”

Highlights of the event included ‘Akümli Tepiyong’ by Sungtimen Alinger while Agnes Tepa chaired the programme.

‘Thousands of stories still remaining untold’ 
Impressing upon that there are thousands of stories still remaining untold and unclaimed for many ages, Vipralhou Kesiezie, former Director of SCERT on Saturday said, “These are some of our most precious treasures of heritage we need to rediscover, preserve, promote and share it with the world.” He was referring to “the mythology of our soul crossing the river of Kezeirü,” which, he added, “is very similar to the Greek mythology of the Ferryman helping us cross the river of the death by paying him a coin.” “We can also tell the world that we the Nagas too have some stories to tell,” he said while addressing the opening session of the day two of the Nagaland Literature Festival at RCEMPA, Jotsoma.

He recalled that “in the absence of any written record, the entire Naga tribal folk tales and stories, mythologies, legends, music, etc has been passed on from generation to generation through word of mouth since time immemorial” wherein many such stories have also been lost in the process.

He believes that oral storytelling is not a simple, plain narrative of stories told by our grandparents and parents and passed on to us, but is much more than that. “It is a combination of drama, mono acting, dialogues, etc. Some are romantic, some are tragedy and even some are comedy,” he pointed out in this regard.

He went on to say that folktales involving stories, myths and legends transport us back to the ancient times of our ancestors when their civilization was given birth. “Most of our tribal myths and legends involve man and spiritual beings living together in the ancient world,” he said while highlighting relevant stories in this regard.

Stating belief that the “Writers Collective Kohima is the link between the past and the future of the Nagas in rediscovering and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the tribal Nagas,” he also expressed hope that the group “will gather enough courage to take on the huge and challenging task to build the bridge or the link of our past with the future in rediscovering our heritage.”

He stated happiness that the group has realised the need of our people in rediscovering our heritage and brought out some of these treasures in book form. However, he also said that “this is just the beginning of your responsibility” and related that the group should also plan to convert these treasures into other forms such as play, drama, movies, music and animation.

‘The Waiting’ released 
Vipralhou Kesiezie also formally released “The Waiting” a Heritage publication, written by Renthunglo Shitiri. The opening session also included storytelling by the author of the newly released book and Sochumlo Suki Ezung, ‘Traversing the Past’ with Naga elder and author of 4 books, Zapuvisie Lhousa and ‘Journey of the Naga Odyssean’ by Visier Meyasetsu Sanyü. Asenla Yanger chaired the programme.

Avinuo Kire in conversation with Veio Pou and Asangla Tzudir was also held on “Stories: Memory Keepers of a People.” Veio Pou also formally released the book titled “The Phom Clans” by N. Henty Angh.

Other highlights of the day included ‘A Musical Rendition of Poetry’ by O Jungio and readings of poetry by Emisenla Jamir, Theyiesinuo Keditsu, Renthunglo Shitiri, Dzüvinguno Dorothy Chasie, and Neikehienuo Mepfhü-o, Nzan Kikon, Meneno Vamuzo Rhakho and Vishü Rita Krocha in the prose category respectively, which was hosted by Aduo Solo.