Kikon releases book on ‘Archaeology of Mimi caves’

Our Correspondent
Kohima, April 27 (EMN): Advisor of New and Renewable Energy (NRE), IT & C, Science and Technology, Mmhonlumo Kikon, on Wednesday released the “Archaeology of Mimi caves” published by the department of Art and Culture during the two-day book exhibition sale held in Kohima.

The programme is being organised by the department of Art and Culture and sponsored by Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata.

Kikon, who was the special guest for the occasion, said it will go a long way in connecting people to the archaeological history of the state. He observed that the Naga society has transitioned from oral tradition to the written form, having crossed many stages and during that period.

Besides inculcating reading culture, he pointed out that there are so many authors, publishers from the state, who are not just willing to write for themselves but willing to publish as well. He added that there are now local publishers willing to publish local authors.

He further stressed on the need to encourage the work of local authors and publishers.

Meanwhile, Vishü Rita Krocha, publisher of Penthrill Publication House, shared about publication experience in Nagaland and how she ventured into publication business.

“Publishing happened to me just about the same way journalism did—both, for the love of stories”.

She pointed out that the greatest challenge in publishing books in Nagaland was the lack of readership or lack of “book buyers”.

“We really don’t mind spending thousands of rupees just to eat out or buy an outfit, but when it comes to books, you are nursing a second thought at the idea of spending even a few hundred rupees for it,” Kracha said.

Krocha maintained that it was the lack of platform that kept the stories from getting out in the last eight years. She added that Pen Thrill has published 53 books till date.

‘Today, Pen Thrill receives more manuscripts than it can publish. This just goes on to say that there is so much interest in book publishing in Nagaland. Readers reading and reviewing the works of our very own people is something I have increasingly noticed in the last couple of years and this signals greater hope for literature in the state,’ she added.

She said writers have the ability to preserve memories and ideas, and books are one of the most important aspects of preserving anything that is of value to any society or community.

During the programme, Angam Konyak Khang Kohima presented a folk song, while Dr. Theyiesinuo Keditsu, assistant professor at Kohima College, read poetries and the welcome address was delivered by secretary of Art and Culture department, Athel O Lotha. It concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Adela Moa, director of Art and Culture.