KOHIMA — A collection of poems titled ‘Kindling killing passion, my world in three syllables: Poetry’ written by Runshito Lims, was released at Red Cross Complex Building, Kohima on Friday.
The poetry book was jointly released by Riku Khutso, extra assistant commissioner, Kohima, and Dr. Theyiesinuo Keditsu, poet and academician.
During the launch, the poet explained that the word ‘killing’ in the title is an allegory of passion, which “died with time in Nagaland.”
“But in reality, passion doesn’t die, it’s just that we started filling ourselves in other shoes,” Lims argued and said that it is time to “start growing in our own shoes.”
Special guest of the event, Dr. Theyiesinuo Keditsu, said that Nagas are now in the fourth or fifth generation in the context of “English speaking and writing people” and that it is high time to “create our own literary culture.”
She said that one must overcome “Cultural cringe” and create their own literature standard.
“Why do people think that Naga writers are inferior? This is because of the literary system,” Keditsu affirmed, and encouraged Nagas to be proud of their literary traditions.
She also pointed out that though Naga men outnumber women when it comes to writing books, yet only a few of them write literary books.
Encouraging Naga men to write more literary books, the poet went on to state that healing would come if Naga men are “able to be vulnerable and share their hearts.”
Riku Khutso urged the young people to kindle their passion. He lamented that many young Nagas are killing their passions by taking things for granted.
But, young people have to be smart now, he said and urged them to make it a point to think beyond a step and visualise the path they want for themselves.
One career opportunity is to identify gaps in the society, develop their passion around the gaps in the society, he said.
“At the end of the day, we have to write our own story and it will not be fair if we fail to utilise gifts from God,” he added.
Publisher of the PenThrill Publication House, Vishü Rita Krocha, informed that ‘Kindling Killing Passion’ is PenThrill’s 78th publication.
James HK, HoD English, St Joseph College, Jakhama (Autonomous), said that out of 61 poems, 21 are untitled. He was of the opinion that the untitled pieces were more personal and that they come straight from the heart of the poet.
The theme of the poetry collection explores love, which is greater than anything else, he said.
Inatoli K Jimo, research scholar and spoken word artist, observed that there are elements of societal expectations, mental health and depressions, frustration, and reflection of personal battles and triumphs.
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