DIMAPUR — Written over a span of almost fifteen years, ‘Pushing Boundaries’, a collection of ideas exploring the need for Nagas to retrieve their integrity and dignity, by Dr. Aküm Longchari with creative illustrations by Arien and Sandemo Ngullie, has been published by PenThrill Publication House, marking its 94th publication.
In his foreword to the book, noted peace activist Niketu Iralu described “Pushing Boundaries” as an excellent collection of selected editorials. He noted that as readers thumb through the pages, the author’s intellectual grasp of the subjects and his deep commitment become evident. Iralu highlighted that the content covers a wide range of topics, including indigenous people, self-determination, gender equality, justice, peace, demilitarisation, human rights, and human security.
According to an update from the publication house, he observed that the newspapers in Nagaland have played a vital role in keeping society breathing and added that society is watching and experiencing the emergence of a free press.
In the meantime, he underscored that the people’s understanding is important, as is their responsibility to keep it free and to fight for justice, equality before the law, and so on.
Stating that it is an inspiring reflection of what society can achieve with clarity, conviction, and dedication, he maintained that English dailies have empowered Nagas to ‘speak truth to power’—to both the ‘over ground’ and the ‘underground’”.
In the introduction to the book, Longchari expressed that he and the artists invite people to dream dreams and to be moved to action by wrestling with the challenges and embracing the opportunities they present in creating a truly harmonious, just and peaceful life together.
Calling upon fellow travellers to join them in reflecting on some of the critical issues that continue to define the individual and collective futures of the people of Naga-Land, he stated that “they are as relevant today as when they were written”.
He further exuded hope that a new understanding will “move us to get involved and act together, inspiring the public to participate while constantly connecting the Naga worldview with a vision of a shared humanity”.
Longchari is also the author of ‘Self Determination – A Resource for JustPeace’, published by Heritage Publishing House, Dimapur.
He is an activist, trainer and educator in the areas of human rights, self-determination, reconciliation and JustPeace. Currently, he is the publisher of The Morung Express and a consultant on Peace Education. Since 1994, he has been involved in people’s movements in the areas of human rights, justice, peace, and reconciliation.
The artist, Sandemo Ngullie, is a recipient of several awards, including the Governor’s Award for Achievement and Contribution in the Field of Art in 2017. Later, in the same year, he also received the 1st Nagaland Red Carpet Award for his contributions in the field of art, while his other experiences include being the editorial cartoonist for the Nagaland Post and an editorial cartoonist-cum-illustrator for The Morung Express.
The other artist, Arien, is an independent illustrator and an advocate by profession and is passionate about storytelling, community building and social development. He was also a cartoonist for a Nagaland-based English newspaper.
The 458-page book is priced at INR 799 and is available at Crossword, The Common Room, Made in Nagaland Centre, Iko Café, Elite Dental in Kohima, Terence & Lucy’s Café in Pfütsero, Fusion Store, Butter Bookcafe in Dimapur and www.ilandlo.com.
