Rev Simon Raikhan, Pastor of New Spring Ministry Kohima (4th from R, 2nd row), owners of The Story Keeper, Jabu Krocha (Left) & Vishü Rita Krocha (4th from Left) seen with authors, journalists, booklovers and well-wishers during the opening of The Story Keeper in Kohima on July 28.
Morung Express News
Kohima | July 28
In a relatively quieter and calmer side of Kohima in Billy Graham Road, “The Story Keeper” today marked its beginning, adding to the number of the few existing bookstores in the state capital. This also comes at a time when bookstores including iconic book shops are shutting down across the world.
However, asserting its relevance in the context of Nagaland state where the written word is beginning to flourish, Publisher, Vishü Rita Krocha exuded hope that the newly opened space would serve as a bridge for authors and readers.
The Story Keeper is the PenThrill Retail Store that is being established in collaboration with its in-house Design Partner, Think Designs, run and managed by Jabu Krocha, providing services for design & printing of posters, banners, books, etc. The store was formally opened with a prayer and blessings by Rev. Simon Raikhan, Pastor of New Spring Ministry Kohima.
Recalling that “as an avid booklover, reader and as somebody who deeply values stories from Nagaland”, Vishü Rita Krocha said that it has always been her dream to start a book shop.
Expressing that she has envisioned the store for so many years before it materialized, she also highlighted that besides PenThrill books, the store has books written by Naga authors including Avinuo Kire, Sentilong Ozukum and research publications of the Highland Institute Kohima and a range of pre-loved books ranging from classics to fiction, that are highly discounted. The store is also in the process of bringing in more books to provide a diverse reading list for its audience.
While the business of bookselling is a harsh reality, she further noted that it might be financially hard for the first few years or even for several years more. However, she emphasized that, “but those of us in the business of books whether you are a writer, a publisher, a book distributor, a book seller, or a journalist, you don't get into this business to make a lot of money.” “It's the love for stories and storytelling”, she added.
Reiterating that it's her love for stories that led her to open the store in collaboration with Think Designs, that has been instrumental in bringing PenThrill Books to life for over a decade, she exuded hope that The Story Keeper would evolve into something much bigger in the days to come, and that it would truly become a space for more inspiring stories to take shape.
The opening day saw walk-ins of noted Naga authors including Avinuo Kire, T Keditsu, Vizovono, who also signed their books at the store, and a range of booklovers, researchers, family, friends and wellwishers.
