A book titled ‘Echo My Soul,” written by Asenla Yanger Ozüküm and published by PenThrill Publication House, was released on Tuesday at Don Bosco Institute for Development and Leadership, Dimapur, by the Editor of Nagaland Page, Monalisa Changkija, as the special guest.
Speaking at the launch event, Changkija said that people of the neighbouring states were aware of their humble literary endeavours but at the same time was driven with their own institutions, colleges and schools and showed least interest in the history of Nagaland till date. While pointing out that it is not the number of books that are sold but the acknowledgment of their endeavours, she lamented that the state government has failed the writers and poets the most.
Changkija mentioned that the state government could have immensely boosted the literary image of Nagaland by buying books written by local writers and poets directly from the authors or the publishing houses based in the state.
Commenting on the decline of reading habit among the people especially the young generation, she rued that no efforts were made by the schools and colleges to remedy the malady. Stating that many young people are keen to write, she claimed that schools and colleges are not adequately providing the platform for youngsters to explore.
“Despite Naga society having come a long way, we are still a long way from discovering and enthralling in the magic and mystery of the written word,” Changkija said.
In her publisher’s note, proprietor of PenThrill Publication House, Vishü Rita Krocha, said that ‘Echo My Soul’ marked the 69 publication of PenThrill Publication House. Krocha expressed that, the author’s sensitivity in life values were beautifully illustrated in the poems and the writing captured the rich layers of life-what at its best and what at its worst and added that the poems echo the voice of humanity that calls them to cherish the memories.
While describing the book, the author Ozüküm said that ‘Echo my soul’ is an assortment of giving voice to the soul songs and a collection of pain and songs of joy of feeling when you are accepted. Describing ‘Echo my soul’ as soul searching, soul speaking and soul solacing, she expressed belief that at some moment of time everyone might have gone through one or two of those emotion of thoughts.