'Teisonhie,’ PenThrill’s 79th honours teachers of Patkai

Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | September 22

PenThrill’s 79th publication, a photo poetry titled, “Teisonhie” poems and musings from everyday, by Dr Buno Iralu was released this afternoon, at The White Owl Book Lounge in the presence of family, friends, classmates and the author’s teachers and mentors from Patkai Christian College, Chümoukedima.

The Angami word “Teisonhie” translated as “everyday” in English is a simple, small book of poetry and musings from everyday, with no big or profound thoughts, Iralu said in her author’s note.

The photo book is dedicated to her teachers and mentors from Patkai Christian College in the late 80s, “and in particular, to my English teachers – Ma’am Tiakhala Jamir Shimray, Ma’am Jyoti Roy and Sir Roy George, who made poetry come alive, and helped me believe in the possibility of giving wings to one’s imagination,” reads the opening lines of the book.  

Iralu said that most of the poems and musings are a collection of her social media post, which she had planned to publish it someday, but was in no hurry. However, when she realised that most of her teachers were leaving, having finished their task, it pulled her heart strings to honor them “for who they were to her and for who they are.”

Recounting the story behind the weaning of the book, Iralu held that she viewed every new day as a fresh gift from God, an opportunity to believe in new and better things to come. While every day, we hear stories of people doing bad things or of tragic news, still every day, there are good things as well, she maintained.

“This book is to celebrate the good things that every day brings forth, and remember that there is a God who is in control. This is what this little book is all about. God is in control and we are in safe hands.”

Recounting her vivid days in the college, Iralu said that the book is really for all her teachers and mentors in Patkai, where her love for poetry came alive and birthed her sense of inspiration.

Lauding the author, her former student in bringing out a “beautiful photo poetry,” Tiakhala Jamir Shimray, Asst. Professor, Department of English, Patkai Christian College, Chümoukedima who was the special guest at the event, said that it was like coming back to a family, bringing back a lot of memories.

Describing Iralu as a responsible student who always knew what to say and how to act on every given occasion, she said that the author has skillfully combined the pictures and poetry, making it a compelling read and blends with the way she expresses herself in the book. 

She lauded the author for handling both poetry and photography herself, which are two distinct forms of art. “It goes beyond the language of poetry that she has written,” she added.

In her publisher's note, Vishü Rita Krocha, Publisher, PenThrill Publication House said that she found it particularly heart-warming that the author dedicated the book to her teachers and mentors. Already having known Iralu from years ago, Krocha added that the thought of honouring her teachers through the book was enough to pique her interest.

She acknowledged the author for brilliantly capturing the essence of her poems through her photographs that accompany each poem. As indicative of the subtitle of the book, her poems explore the everyday, ordinary things in life that often go unnoticed, “but are, very important because it is the seemingly small, everyday things that add meaning, beauty and purpose to life,” noted Krocha. 

While maintaining that poetry isn't the most popular genre of literature in the market, even globally, for the publisher, the publication of every single poetry book is contributing towards the Naga legacy of storytelling and keeping it alive.

She congratulated Iralu and further encouraged all to support PenThrill and the author by getting a copy of the book. Priced at Rs 500, the 92-page book has 72 poems and musings.

During the event, Chathavi Vüprü and Nourhe Khate presented a special music, while Dr Mimi Kevichüsa Ezung, Associate Professor, Department of Tenyidie, NU chaired the event.