Need for investigative journalism in Nagaland

The Bookworm Fest, and a conversation with Easterine Kire

Morung Express News
Kohima | April 29  

The Bookworm Fest, a four-day event is in progress from April 29 up to May 2 at Kohima Local Ground. The Fest celebrates the love of reading and writing. A first on its kind in Nagaland, the Bookworm fest celebrates in the company of renowned Naga authors such as Dr. Easterine Kire, Vishü Rita Krocha, Dr. Avinuo Kire, among others.  

Major attractions of the fest include book-signing, storytelling, poetry reading etc. The Bookworm Fest is an initiative of de Oriental Grand and Barkweaver.

On being a writer in Nagaland

At the Bookworm Fest, Easterine Kire has also set up a bookstall where her books are available on sale. Fans arrive to get their books signed by the nationally acclaimed writer. A humble and gentle person, the soft-spoken writer, during an interaction with media persons, talked about her brief stint as a Journalist in Nagaland way back in 1980 where she wrote for a weekly paper called the Platform.  

While journalism has changed tremendously over the years, Kire pointed out on the lack of investigative journalism and public journalism in Nagaland. It has to work towards the improvement of society, Kire asserted.  

  “People don’t take writing as a job or occupation in Naga society,” Easterine Kire said. “They do not see you as working,” adds the Naga writer while talking about the struggles of being a writer in Nagaland. Like most writers, Kire too has experienced the frustration of the unpaid nature of writing where relatives and friends in a close-knit community like the Nagas would often request one to write for free.  

To come up with good words needs concentration and energy, Kire noted while adding that people don’t appreciate the energy a writer spends on writing. Kire, who is constantly travelling will be based in Kohima for some time.   However, her upcoming tour is in Delhi where she will be performing jazz poetry with her band, JazzPoesi. Kire will also be attending the Poetry Fest in Barcelona.  

While talking about sustaining a publishing House, Kire mentioned that many good writers are coming up in Nagaland, however, the production of good quality books is still scarce. Kire expressed hope that with the increase of quantity in writing, quality of writing will very soon emerge.  

Fans can further look forward to Kire’s new book titled ‘Son of the Thundercloud’, which will be released in November this year.