Dimapur, July 22: English Department of Kohima College, Kohima, organised its 2nd series of the ‘Naga Writers Speak’ programme on July 22 in the college auditorium.
The speaker of the programme was Dr. KB Veio Pou, Assistant Professor of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, Delhi University. He is also the author of ‘Literary cultures of India’s northeast: Naga writings in English.’
The speaker gave a presentation on ‘Locating Naga writings in English in the culture space of the Naga society.’ Dr. Veio Pou stressed upon how the emergence of Naga writings is a positive step towards preservation of culture as writers are social commentators and that Naga writers are located in the social, cultural image of their people. Taking into context the writings of Easterine Kire, Temsula Ao, Nini Lungalung and others, the speaker elaborated upon the necessity of always contextualizing literature as ‘Text without context is just pretext.’ He stated that Naga writings are essentially cultural by products. “No culture is static and so is the case with Naga culture which is in fact, dynamic and alive,” Dr. Veio Pou remarked. He concluded by reminding the audience of the rich story telling tradition of the Nagas and emphasised upon the importance of critically looking into one’s own culture.
The chairperson of the programme was Moanungla Kevichusa, HoD & Associate Professor (English), Kohima College. The vote of thanks was proposed by Khriezenuo Angami, Associate Professor (English), Kohima College.
