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Dimapur, Oct. 4 (EMN): Celebrating a beautiful and well-lived life, a service in memory of Nini Vinguriau Lungalang was held on Sunday evening at Northfield Khikha, Kohima. Marking her first death anniversary, a book titled “The Morning Years” written by Nini Lungalang was also released by the former chief minister of Nagaland and one of the most celebrated writers in Angami literature, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu.
‘The Morning Years’ first came to print in 1994 and is being republished by PenThrill Publication House.
Releasing the book, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu remarked that Nini is one of the first Nagas to master English literature. “She was so well versed in this discipline,” he said while expressing that it was wise on the part of her family to organise thememorial service to remember her achievements by bringing out a book after 26 years.
Describing poetry as literature that involves the mind through experiences and also through emotions, Liezietsu remarked that “without poetry, literature would be incomplete.”
Renowned social activist, Niketu Iralu, delivered a moving eulogy for Nini saying, “She was such a person, whose mind, heart and soul were all at work; they were fully engaged all the time.” Iralu also talked about how Nini responded to the crisis, her honesty and her intellectual qualities.
Making a reference from the poem ‘To the Skylark’ by William Wordsworth, Iralu described her as, “Type of the wise who soar, but never roam; True to the kindred points of Heaven and Home!”He also expressed gratitude to all those who are continuing that kind of a legacy for the people.
In her publisher’s note, Vishü Rita Krocha recalled how the journey of the book started and described Nini as a brilliant, towering poet, who was a class apart and one of the finest writers that Nagaland has ever produced. She also expressed that the making of the book has been an emotional journey especially for her daughter, Tamara. Krocha appreciated her courage and the role she has played in the publication of the book. She also readout the poem “The Morning Years.”
Nini Vinguriau Lungalang was born in a period when the Naga national movement was at its peak. She was educated at Loreto Convent, Shillong, St. Edmund’s College and Delhi University. She was married to Jacob Poovanthinkal, and has a daughter. She taught literature and classical music at Baptist College, Kohima, during its initial years and later went on to serve as the vice principal at Northfield,Khikha, Kohima, till she passed away in October,2019.
Highlights of the memorial service included a brieflife sketch of Nini Lungalang by pastor Dirang Lungalang, special song by Noune Kuotsu, homilyand benediction by pastor Shan Kikon.
Pheluopfelie Kesiezie was the leader of the book release programme, while Mhasineinuo Sekhose and Nosano Kikhi were the pianists. A musical tributewas also played in her memory.
It may be noted that ‘The Morning Years’ by Nini is the 34th publication of PenThrill and would be available at Crossword Kohima; The Common Room, Kohima; Gutouch, Kohima; Made in Nagaland, Kohima; The Green Caravan App; Fusion Store, Dimapur; OM Books, Dimapur; and online on ilandlo and Amazon.