Alemtemshi Jamir with Theyiesinuo Keditsu and Vishü Rita Krocha during the release of ‘Ukepenuopfü-An Angami Folktale Reimagined’ in Kohima on July 26. (Morung Photo)
PenThrill scores 60th publication
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 26
Giving a flip to children’s literature in Nagaland, ‘Ukepenuopfü- An Angami Folktale Reimagined’ by Theyiesinuo Keditsu was released by Alemtemshi Jamir, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Investment & Development of Nagaland (IDAN) on July 26.
This book is the 60th publication of PenThrill Publication House Kohima since its inception in 2013.
Releasing the book at the conference room of Kohima College Kohima (KCK), Jamir said “Ukepenuopfü is written like a children's book but it is much deeper, lot of deeper meaning.
Lauding author's boldness, innovation and doing the unexpected, Jamir said “It looks like a simple children's book, but when you go through it, you find that there is poetry. It's beautifully written.”
Folklore helps children to grow up mature, he said.
‘We must read children’s literature’
‘Ukepenuopfü- An Angami folktale Reimagined’ by Theyiesinuo Keditsu has reawakened that world of wonder for me, that sense of wonder that one can only find in children’s literature,” said Vishü Rita Krocha of PenThrill Publication House.
It transported me to a different place, however fleetingly, and made me realize that even as adults, our lives still hold the promise of wonder, she said.
As adults, we are mired in the real world of grownups, with bills to pay, and stressing ourselves over a lot of things whether it’s our own careers or meeting societal and family expectations and it’s difficult to find wonder in our daily lives.
Reading and publishing this book has however, convinced me that children’s books are not only meant for children but for everyone regardless of how old or young we are, Krocha said.
To recapture wonder that we once had as children or to spark wonder in our otherwise, dull and mundane lives, we must read children’s literature. And I say this because finding wonder will continually inspire us to go after our dreams and make us believe that anything is possible.
As adults, we tend to brush aside our imaginary worlds. But the thing with reading children’s books, is that it frees your mind to see the intangible with special clarity, she said adding that there is always that spark of magic in children’s literature.
“If children’s books can give you that sense of wonder, then it can also give you hope. And if we don’t have hope, then we don’t have anything to cling on to. With hope, also comes bravery, empathy and love,” she said.
Expressing hope that ‘Ukepenuopfü’ will have a profound impact in one’s lives “and also, discover for yourselves that after all, wonder is not so hard to find even in our demanding adult lives,” Krocha thanked Theyiesinuo Keditsu for writing this book and “letting us revel in the wonder of life.”
Earlier, Levino Yhoshü led prayer of thanksgiving while Yirmiyan Arthur, proprietor, The Book Home, Kohima talked on “Children’s literature. The programme was chaired by Dr Ketoukhrie-ü Assistant Professor, KCK. Pelenuo Yhome presented s special song.
Theyiesinuo Keditsu is feminist, poet, academic, folklorist, writer and educator. She has published two books of poetry, ‘Sopfünuo’ and ‘Wake’ and contributed to a number of anthologies & journals in her creative & academic capacities. She advocates for the revival of Indigenous Naga textiles and women’s narratives through her popular Instagram avatar @mekhalamama.
She has a PhD in Cultural Studies from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. Her research focuses on contemporary Naga culture, indigenous knowledge, indigenous feminisms, folklore, oral & written literatures of Nagaland. Currently, she is an assistant professor in Kojima College.
‘Ukepenuopfü-An Angami Folktale Reimagined’ costing Rs 650, is available at Crossword, The Common Room, Made in Nagaland, Mixpick Enterprise Dimapur, The Gift Shop Kohima and www.ilandlo.com.
