‘Real literature transcends time and generation’

‘Akupu-The Bridge, A Flower’ by Inaholi Asumi released

Morung Express News
Kohima | July 29

Terming poetry as one of the oldest forms of literature, Dr Theyiesinuo Keditsu, poet, writer & educator observed that “Nagas are very afraid of poetry.” As a poet, she said, “nothing is more heart-breaking than knowing that your work has not been read.”

Giving her comments at the launch of “Akupu- The Bridge, A Flower” written by Inaholi Asumi on Thursday afternoon at Ura Hotel Kohima, she also noted that all over the world, literature is facing a crisis and at the forefront is poetry as the first casualty.

However, referring to the newly released book, she said, “you are going to hear a Naga woman speaking. It is so revolutionary and political,” while expressing further that the book was very refreshing for her. “Inaholi uses her knowledge to process life's puzzles”, she added. Pointing out that Nagas hardly read, she however, said in their defence that Nagas come from oral literature, which is still very young when it comes to literature.

On the general observation that most people find poetry hard to understand, she went on to say that “this defiles logic to say that I only want to engage in things that are simple. If you want to improve something, you must challenge yourself to something higher and higher”, which would in turn challenge our minds and broaden our world view.

Dr Theyiesinuo further commented that “Inaholi belongs to a new emerging movement in Naga writing” and that, there is no better time than now to have this book come out because it contains poems that “allow us to slow down” and others that also exemplify “loss”.

“Akupu- The Bridge, A Flower” brings us a contemplative voice with the collection covering subjects ranging from the deeply personal to the anecdotal. By sharing lessons learnt, observations that draw wisdom from mundane occurrences, portrayals of pain suffered and surmounted, Inaholi Asumi accomplishes work that only poetry can do – offer readers novel insights into life and its many mysteries”, she also said about the book.  

In her comments, Rovi Chasie, Author & Chef said that each poem in the book evokes a humane response while putting across that “all the poems are sincere and candid, some are intensely emotional. Yet, there are others that are calm and rational and compel the reader to look at life from a totally different perspective.”

She said the poems were relatable, insightful and also found joy in reading them but “as I kept reading, I was struggling to find solace.” In this regard, she said, “I have to keep it real, there are some dark moments in the poems.” However, as she crossed the “Bridge” and came towards “The Flower,” Chasie said, “the positive energy returned and the title of the book began to make sense.”

Formally releasing the book, former Deputy Speaker, Government of Nagaland, Joshua Sumi commented that there are so many ways of writing a book but pointed out that “all the books we see in the market cannot be considered as literary works.” Stating that real literary works transcend time and generation, he maintained that “it does not depict a particular society but depicts humanity and if it is considered a literary work, it will continue to survive hundreds of years.”

He hoped that Inaholi’s work and those of many Naga writers which have come up in the recent years will be considered ‘literary work’ in its truest sense. He also pointed out that we are just competing for economic gains but emphasized that ‘a group should come up where they are sharing their intellectual gain.’ In this regard, he asserted that “nobody can take away the wealth of wisdom and knowledge we have gained.”

Inaholi Asumi, the author of the book, holds a master’s degree in nursing with honours in psychiatry and currently works as a staff nurse in Zunheboto. “Akupu, The Bridge, A Flower” is her first book and is the 39th publication of PenThrill Publication House. She also read out a few poems from the newly released book.

Earlier, Nguvito presented an original song out of one of the poems written by Inaholi Asumi. Pastor Toviho Shohe, Mission and Evangelism, SABCK dedicated the book in prayer and Kitoho Swu, SDAO chaired the programme.