KOHIMA — 'Homegrown', an anthology of new writings from Nagaland, featuring 35 authors writing on different genres including poetry, short stories, prose essays, personal reflections and prose poems, was released in Kohima on Saturday.
The book was edited by Dr. Sentinaro, researcher and assistant professor at Baptist College, and Dr. Vizovono Elizabeth, independent researcher and freelance editor. It was published by the PenThrill Publication House.
Speaking about the book, Dr. Sentinaro said the anthology was conceptualised to bring together the voices of the younger emerging writers with a hope that it would reflect and represent what Naga writing is all about as of today. The book is focused exclusively on the new writings reflecting the gradual evolution of the Naga literary scenario, particularly from 'homegrown' writers in Nagaland.
She added there is a fresh wave of younger Naga writers getting their writings published in recent years, indicating the urge for literary expressions among the youth, further contributing to the literary culture in Nagaland. She said the writings reflect different emotions and take one on a journey of reflection, inspiration, frustration, identity crisis, hope, humour, love, beauty, and plenty of food for thought.
Dr. Vizovono Elizabeth said the book was published in less than a year. She has described the book as 'quite subjective'. As editors, she stated that they were able to discover many new talents, adding there was much for the Naga literature to grow.
She urged all to continue to support and encourage one another and learn from it.
Author and independent researcher, Charles Chasie, who released the book, said it is more than a collection of works by different writers. According to him, it was a collection of the writers themselves, a whole new crop of Naga writers from within the state.
'This work of bringing so many new Naga writers together could turn crucial for the society at this juncture of managing the contradictions of our society that we have inherited in the 1940s without any choice, and today finding that while we exist in the 21st century, with all the paraphernalia of modernism, with its attending rat-race of materialism, most of us are really still living in the 1940s and trying to manage the contradictions and baggage inherited then.”
Expressing happiness at some of the writers who started delving into the folk stories and legends, he stated that more of such should come.
"Unless we go deeper we are in danger of reducing our cultures to gaudy exhibition pieces that are showcased when VVIPs come and nothing more. But our culture should matter more as they make up the core of our beings as Nagas", he said.
He further urged all to hold onto one's culture and ways of life.
Publisher of PenThrill Publication House, Vishu Rita Krocha, said the book was a first-of-its-kind anthology that has ever been produced from Nagaland, bringing together writers from different backgrounds, tribes, and villages, exploring varying subjects and issues.
She congratulated the two editors for the initiative, adding they have set the bar higher for literature in Nagaland. She expressed hope that the book can guide readers to create a space they love, that they would feel at home and would relish every piece for the simple fact that a home is a comforting place.
Professor and head of English at Nagaland University, Dr. Nigamananda Das, while reviewing the book, said the book is the third anthology of Naga writing in three years. Of the 35 writers, 40 per cent are men and 60 per cent are women, indicating women are doing well in writing, he observed.