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(From left to right) 6-year old Liree Jane Krocha (who did the colouring), Daisy Mezhur, Secretary for NSSWB & Mission Director, SRCW, Sochumlo Suki Ezung (Author of Suki's Magic Box) and Yimyanglula (Illustrator).[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 10 (EMN): A children's book titled 'Suki's Magic Box' authored by 10-year-old Sochumlo Suki Ezung and published by Kohima-based PenThrill Publication House was launched here on Wednesday.
The book was released by Daisy Mezhur, the secretary of the Nagaland State Social Welfare Board and Mission Director of State Resource Centre for Women at a formal programme held at the Conclave Hall, LCS Building in Kohima on Tuesday evening. At 10, Sochumlo Suki Ezung, is considered the youngest author in Nagaland.
Suki’s Magic Box is a children’s book featuring the works of talented children Sochumlo Suki Ezung and Yimyanglula Longkumer, who are friends; and classmates (Class V) and students of G Rio Higher Secondary School in Kohima. The book was illustrated by the young writer’s friend Yimyanglula Longkumer and colored by a six-year-old Leree Jane Krocha, a class-1 student of Mount Hermon Higher Secondary School in Kohima.
Addressing the gathering, Daisy Mezhur lauded Sochumlo’s parent for encouraging her to realize her dreams at the very young age. Speaking on the importance of the girl child, she said “by giving her education, by nurturing her talents, it comes back to you parents”. She also suggested that Suki can contribute in a newsletter or be a brand ambassador for adolescence. On concluding note she said, “ladies and the girls are going to be standing tall at the end of the day irrespective of any circumstances”.
Speaking briefly during the book release, young Sochumlo said she was raised with lots of songs and stories and when her mother bought her a notepad to keep her occupied in church, she started writing made up songs and stories and letter to God when she was seven.Her interest in writing became better when she got a new book with lots of attractive colors and pictures that her stories became even lengthier. Suki says “Simple things and object that catch my attention inspires me to write, for example, a glass vessel with stones pebbles inside standing at the corner of the table inspired me to write a story about stones and glass” she narrated.
She also mentioned that there was so much joy in writing stories, “Reading and writing is a way for me to relax, it gives me joy and it colours my world.” said Sochumlo.
Illustrator of the book, Yimyanglula Longkumer said Suki gave her the confidence which herself wasn’t confident enough until Sochumlo came to her house and appreciated her works. She said, “We can achieve many things if we have confidence.”
Delivering the publisher’s note, Vishü Rita Krocha said everyone is gifted but it takes many years, even decades for some of us to realize their dream.”
She said Sochumlo’s book was entitled as Suki’s Magic Box’ because she thinks it was a sheer magic for a 10-year old girl to accomplish such a feat.
“Saki has magically given life to her characters and I find it amazing that her age. She is already conscious of the world around her. Through her stories, you will find that she deeply values life and cares not only for friends and family but for peace and love to reign in the world. It's beautiful how she also put her stories together reflecting her concern for our environment which needs much attention.” Rita said.
She appreciated Sochumlo’s parents for nurturing and molding her dreams at such tender age. Rita also hoped that the book gives her great hope for the future of literature in Nagaland and that it will go out as a source of inspiration for many children and young people to do something worthwhile with their lives. “Together we can continue to make the dreams of children. a reality by encouraging them to follow their hearts.” Rita said.