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Dimapur, Jan. 14 (EMN): A book titled “The vision of T Sakhrie for a Naga nation,” written by Ahu Sakhrie and posthumously published by PenThrill Publication House, was formally released on Saturday afternoon at The BookHome in Kohima by Meno Sesa, older sister of the author.
During the launch event, Dr. Kepelhusie Terhüja and Labu Sakhrie, sons of T Sakhrie, gave insights into the book and also spoke about their close association with the author, stated an update from PenThrill Publication House.
“The Vision of T Sakhrie for a Naga nation” was earlier printed in 2006 in commemoration of the 50th death anniversary of T Sakhrie. When it came out, there was 50 years silence. Nobody spoke or wrote in defense of him or presented a picture from our point of view,” Labu Sakhrie said.
Labu stated that for 50 years, only one side of the picture was presented, adding that the booklet attracted a lot of attention. While many people were happy and some were not, he pointed out that it was not intended to create division but written with an open mind.
With people denied correct information for too long, he exuded hope that “this book will be a channel for bringing about understanding among people.”
“There should be no more animosity or division among people. We want to be friends with everyone,” he stated.
In her publisher’s note, Vishü Rita Krocha remarked that “T Sakhrie is a very well-known name to Nagas as a whole and the indelible legacy he left behind even in his short lifespan will be remembered with or without this book.”
However, she added that the publication of the book also meant preserving part of the Naga history that he was so crucially part of.
“His conviction and commitment to the Naga issue and his political wisdom is evident from the very way he lived as we have heard of and read about,” Krocha added.
Yirmiyan Arthur Yhome, proprietor of The BookHome, also spoke about her close association with the author and added that his contribution to the Naga story was indisputably immeasurable.
It mentioned that Ahu Sakhrie was an alumnus of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi, where he studied M.Phil in Sociology. He was one of the founders of the Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) in 1978. He later served as a lecturer at Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung, from 1986-94 and subsequently joined the Directorate of Higher and Technical Education, government of Nagaland, as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in 1994. He retired from office in 2015.
It added that he was much sought after for his exceptional oratory skills and extensive knowledge on subject matters like human rights, Indo-Naga political movement and his socio-political analysis of the Naga society. Some of his unpublished writings include 'Social Changes and Continuities in Naga Society,' 'Emergence of a National Identity, the Naga case,' and 'Traditional Naga Character and Changing Patterns.'
Ahu Sakhrie passed away in July 2016 after a brief illness leaving behind his wife, three sons and three daughters.
The programme was chaired by the author’s daughter, Ketoriavi Sakhrie Metseio.