L-R: Joint Director, IPR, Asangla Imsong, Author Vibeituonuo Kuotsu Solo, & Vishü Rita Krocha Publisher, PenThrill Publication House during the launch of “The Light After The Storm” at Été Coffee on October 31.
Morung Express News
Kohima | October 31
Born out of both imagination and raw emotion, “The Light After the Storm”, written by Kohima-based journalist, Vibeituonuo Kuotsu Solo, was formally released by Asangla Imsong, Joint Director of Information and Public Relations at Été Coffee Kohima on October 31.
Speaking during the launch of her debut book, the author, Vibeituonuo Kuotsu Solo exuded hope that the book would become “a key for people trapped in unhealthy relationships, showing them that breaking free is not a wrong or a taboo, but an act of courage.”
“I want everyone who reads it to know that it is more than okay to choose yourself—even if it means being alone”, she expressed while stating that, “this book is my plea to shatter the silence, specially to women to assure that they can speak openly about broken marriages and relationships without shame.”
“May it help break the barriers that silence the women in our society and the strength to find their voice and the courage to move forward, unafraid”, she added.
‘Our stories have always been our strength’
Addressing the launch, Asangla Imsong, Joint Director of Information and Public Relations, said that through the book, the author has brought out the strength of a woman, putting it into words experiences that are especially felt by women.
While most people do not have the courage to bring it out into paper, she said commended the author for her courage and thanked her for the stories expressed in simple and beautiful words.
She also stated appreciation for the publisher for consistently nurturing local voices while also expressing that, “as a young woman, and a prolific writer herself, Rita has gone into a field which I think many of us wouldn’t dare to go in this modern age.”
One thing about our Naga society, she further remarked is that, “our stories have always been our strength.” In this context, she also underlined that, “our stories have been carried in the songs that we sing, in all the fireside conversations that we have in the evenings, and in books like this, that our stories have come alive.”
So today, she said that they are not only celebrating Vibeituonuo’s book but also “celebrating the importance of keeping our narratives alive.”
In her Publisher’s note, Vishü Rita Krocha stated that Vibeituonuo Kuotsu Solo’s debut book is a reflection of her courage, resilience and draws the reader into a familiar and a fascinating world that all Nagas can resonate with.
While the book talks about broken marriage and relationships, and contains stories of conflict and issues of land that divides many Naga families, of a mother’s love and sacrifices, etc, she added that the book also addresses critical issues that are faced by the Naga society but are barely talked about.
She also exuded hope that the newly released book would positively impact readers. It may be noted here that the book marks the 112th publication of PenThrill Publication House.
Highlights of the event included prayer by Kezhakietuo Belho, Associate Pastor of Khedi Baptist Church Kohima and special number by Kekhrieyie Belho while the programme was chaired by Medolenuo Ambrocia, Journalist EastMojo.
