When 9 teachers and 64 poems equal a collection of ‘woven words’

Our Correspondent
Kohima, August 19 (EMN): Woven words – a collection of women’s poetry, was formally launched today by Mmhonlumo Kikon, minister for Geology & Mining and Border Affairs, at The Heritage, Old DC Bungalow, Kohima.
The newly launched book, published by Heritage Publishing House, Dimapur, is a collection of 64 poems from nine women who are all teaching faculty members of English department, Kohima College, Kohima.
The poets are Moanungla Kevichüsa, Megovono Üsou, Khriezenuo Vizo, C Vezholu Kotso, Sungjeminla, Limajungla Jamir, Theyiesinuo Keditsu, Emisenla Jamir and Avinuo Kire.
Mmhonlumo, in his address, congratulated the poets for the timely production and for their contribution to Naga literature, which he said will go a long way in the production of knowledge.
Stating the need to develop further the existing Naga narratives, he encouraged the women writers not to stop from where they have reached, but to keep writing more and more as they surge ahead with greater responsibilities.
“History will remember what is written and what has been recorded,” he said adding that “it will be a disservice to the Naga society if they (writers/poets) stop producing.”
“Everybody who is sensitive to what is happening around him/her, will want to contribute something for the society,” he said and lauded the collective responsibility of the English teachers.
Further mentioning that writing is a powerful medium to reach out the people, he congratulated the writers for the newly launched book as he observed that “there are not so many who can write.”
Giving a preface to the book, Temsula Ao, who is considered a literary giant in the Naga society, lauded all the poets and expressed hope that the readers will appreciate the freshness of expression in the poems and will be able to derive much inspiration.
“What is noteworthy about this volume is that along with the heavy responsibilities of teaching, the poets have made time to listen to the calling of their inner voice by writing with honesty and urgency about their own perceptions of human existence,” Temsula said adding that “the poems will find resonance in the young minds and be able to give them the right incentive to appreciate the beauty of nature, cherish the warmth of human relationships and instill in the young minds the courage to face the adversities of life.”
Presenting an introduction about the book, Moanungla Kevichüsa, assistant professor and HoD, department of English, Kohima College, on behalf of the writers, said that it has been a very rewarding experience for all of them.
Admitting that this is just the beginning and a small venture, Kevichüsa expressed hope that all of them will be able to contribute a lot more in the coming days and years.
During the launching programme, some of the poets including Khriezenuo Vizo, C Vezholu Kotso, Sungjeminla, Theyiesinuo Keditsu and Emisenla Jamir also recited some of their poems to the gathering.
The programme, chaired by Avinuo Kire, commenced with invocation pronounced by Temjen Sempo, pastor, Kohima Ao Baptist Church, while a song was presented by Tutu Terhüja.
With the release, Woven Words will be available in the market for sale, it was informed.