Prof D Kuolie with Thejangunuo Theiinuo. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 28
A book entitled “Akezisuo Mu Puo Puotsa” by Thejangunuo Theünuo in Tenyidie was released today at Asian Evangelical Bible Seminary, Keyake, BSF Camp, Kohima.
Published by Pen Thrill Publication House, Kohima, it was released by Prof D Kuolie, Secretary General Ura Academy after dedicatory prayer by Rev Ketouzo Theiinuo, senior pastor Cross Wonder Church Kohima.
Vishii Rita Krocha of Pen Thrill Publication House said that with “Akezisuo Mu Puo Puotsa,” the publication of books under Pen Thrill Publication in eight years has gone upto 56.
“This book is also the first book in Tenyidie that PenThrill has ventured into and in that sense, it is a significant milestone for us,” she said.
“I think every language has its own unique expressions, which can never be expressed as beautifully even when translated. Translations cannot fully capture the nuances conveyed in a different language. Which is why, I think it is really important to preserve the living languages that we have before it starts disappearing,” Krocha said.
When we talk about preserving a language, we must also remember that it cannot slide away on its own. But it starts disappearing when people stop speaking and using that particular language for whatever reason. So, we must also ensure that we continue to speak the living languages and that they are continually passed on to new speakers, she said.
She commended Thejangunuo for documenting charming stories of her father and his grandfather through ‘Akezisuo Mu Puo Puotsa.’
In foreword of the book, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio penned “The world is made up of stories, stories shape our thinking and these thoughts steer our actions. When we preserve stories in some static form like a book , people from different times and places can share that story and make it possible for generations to stay connected.:
Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu, president Ura Academy also penned greetings.
The programme was chaired by Thepfulhouzo Tsürho. Neisielie Mepfhü-o also spoke at the programme.
Vilakhonuo Keditsu and Kikruneinuo Kechii presented special numbers while vote of thanks was proposed by Thepfulhou Theiinuo.
About ‘Akezisuo Mu Puo Puotsa’
This short storybook is based on true stories; taken into account of the events and incidences that had happened between 1880’s to 1970’s. There are two main protagonists in the story, the grandson and the grandfather. The grandson is affectionately called ‘Akezisuo’ by his grandfather – meaning “My ugly one”’. The protagonists belong to the village of Rüsoma; a village in the Northern Angami region of Nagaland. Akezisuo’s grandfather was a renowned hunter in the village. As the family's eldest son, Akezisuo lived in the village with his grandfather (Yao).
The storybook features ten stories about Akezisuo and his grandfather; filled with stories of love, kindness, hilarious incidents, humble practices, simple lifestyle of the olden days that are worth treasuring.
“My father takes great delight in telling stories to his children. He is a man who is very well-versed with a wide range of stories, but among all of his fascinating and good moral stories that he recites, he enjoys reiterating stories about himself and his grandfather,” said Thejangunuo Theiinuo.
This storybook is inspired by some of my father's fantastic anecdotes about them, she said adding that this storybook is a tribute to “my father and it is hoped that through reading the stories, the readers, especially the young readers would, cherish a beautiful bond between a grandchild and grandfather, cherish the simple life of the past, pass on our forefathers' wonderful culture and traditions and encourage reading of Tenyidie language through intriguing simple stories.”
Thejangunuo Theiinuo is deputy director (IEC), Nagaland State AIDS Control Society. Married to Thepfulhou Theiinuo of Nerhema village and a mother of four children.
