‘Society is empowered by the writings of its thinkers’ – Rio

Our Correspondent
Kohima, June 28 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday released a book ‘I Have A Dream,’ a collection of poems authored by 16 year-old Vingunuo Talie, during a programme at Hotel Vivor in Kohima.

Speaking during the occasion, the chief minister said it was not a common talent to have the capacity of writing down thoughts and the experiences that one lives through in life. He congratulated Talie and encouraged her to expand her gift and write more poems and books in the future to ignite the mind of readers.

Rio said that there was very little privilege, support or facilities before. However, he said, the current generation is getting their due support and opportunity. He observed that there are many youths who have taken to literature, music, and various other forms of artistic expression.

“A society is intellectually empowered by the writings of its thinkers. The habit of penning down one’s thoughts and emotions, imagination etc is a great way to not only explore your talent, but it stimulates the author’s creativity and ignites the readers’ imagination. Writings are a powerful source of knowledge and wisdom,” the chief minister said.

Mentioning in brief the government’s policy to promote artistes and writers, the chief minister said awards for achievement in art, literature and music will be instituted as such disciplines are ‘important for civilised life.’ He urged the people to pursue these forms of art as a profession.

“When you come to this level, you are not only educated but you are more civilised. It is a good indicator of the society,” Rio said. He observed that the habit of reading had drastically come down with advancement of technology and the social media. Nonetheless, he encouraged the people to make reading a habit. He informed that a writers’ event would be held in the state later this year. He said that the government was serious about promoting writers not only in the field of creative and literary works but also in documenting the rich culture and heritage of the Naga people.

In her short address, Vingunuo Talie said writing poetry was one of her passions even though she does not write often. She said that some of the poems were from own experience while some were perspectives. She described her book as ‘a packet of mixed emotions, love, pain, and memories.’

“I was just contemplating on finding words that rhymes at first and then slowly I started sharing my inner thoughts,” the young poetess said.

Talie is a daughter of Kechalhoubei from Rusoma village. She said to have started writing poetry at the age of fourteen, and draws inspiration from music and books. Her debut poetry collection ‘I Have A Dream’ was illustrated by Ruopfuzhazo Dzuvichu.

Delivering the publisher’s note, Vishü Rita Krocha of Penthrill Publication House said dreams do come true if one believes in them and works towards achieving them. She spoke about her experience in that she took up the publishing venture as there was less or no scope for aspiring writers in the state.

“Each time a young writer comes to me with dreams of getting published, I am always impressed by the quality of their works whether in writing or in the art form,” said Krocha. “In publishing her (Talie’s) book today, I also see one of my dreams as a publisher becoming a reality.”