Morung Express News
Kohima | September 30
“These are stories that are not taught in schools, nor are they recounted to children by the new generation parents living in urban towns and cities. But these are the kind of stories that need to be told, and kept alive, for they are our only link to our past, our history and our heritage,” said Dr. Vizovono Elizabeth during the release of the book ‘The Quaint Little Village’ by Rovi Chasie.
Released on September 30 at Alder College, Kohima, by Nini Lungalung, noted Naga poet and Vice Principal, Northfield Hr. Sec School Kohima, The Quaint Little Village, by Rovi Chasie is a book containing ten stories revolving around the adventures of the young protagonist, Tono, and her village Khonoma. According to the author Rovi Chasie, the book attempts to share to the readers a part of her private literature.
“The book contains stories from our land-stories that make us aware of our very culture and I think it is important that we preserve these stories for our younger generations to explore and learn,” remarked Vishü Rita Krocha, Publisher, PenThrill Publication House who believes that Nagas come from a generation of story tellers and it is important to keep the art of storytelling alive by way of writing.
Presenting an introduction to the book, Dr. Vizovono Elizabeth mentioned that each of the stories depicts an important aspect of cultural beliefs, heritage and wisdom which ‘clearly demonstrates the close link the writer has with her cultural moorings’. The book is also a metaphor for the need to maintain the link between the past and the present, according to Dr. Elizabeth, which further can also be read as one that expresses the yearning for cultural identity in the face of rapid modernization, urbanization and globalization.
According to Nini Lungalung, the book is a like ‘a cup of cold water on a hot day’, containing every element of thrill, suspense, romance etc. “It’s impressive simply because it does not seek to impress.” said Lungalung who stressed on the loss of culture in Naga society further expressing indignation over the way Nagas are misusing their culture and traditions.
“Today we suffer the tragedy of the loss of our culture, and the abuse of our own language is one factor that has led to this unpleasant mess. We do not respect our language. We seem to be losing all kinds of self respect,” said Lungalung in her opening remarks, who however concluded with a hopeful note, “But it’s not all bad when individuals like Rovi rise above and tell us what we really value in life, of what we were, what we are and what we can be.”
Priced at Rs. 250 and published by PenThrill Publication House, The Quaint Little Village is available at all major bookstores in Kohima.
Rovi Chasie has written two cookbooks titled Dine with Confidence (1997) and Naga Cuisine (2003). Besides writing, Rovi Chasie runs a cooking and baking training centre called Livelihood Enhancement Centre at Kohima Science College Road, Jotsoma. Rovi is the wife of renowned Naga Journalist Charles Chasie.
