Principal Correspondent
KOHIMA, AUG 1
“A Glimpse of Long Ago”, a bilingual collection of 16 Sumi-English folk poems compiled and translated by Ahikali Swu, wife of Parliamentary Secretary Y. Vikheho Swu was released by Dr. Temsula Ao, Chairperson of Nagaland State Commission for Women here Friday evening.
Releasing the book comprising 16 poems, Dr. Ao said the book is a :journey into the past of a whole tribe; but it is not undertaken through history books, written texts or any modern archival sources that we are familiar with”.
Dwelling on the contents of the books, she said: “Let us not be misled by the brevity of the poems because each one is imbued with the colours of ancient Sumi life-style.”
The topics include speak of un-requited love, the misery of orphans, the plight of un-married women, tragic loss of a child for a mothers who was too busy in the field, about life here and here-after, she said adding that there are also laments of the victim of greed of the father for a higher bride-price and also hints of the practice of head-hunting which was practiced by the fore-fathers.
The overall image of the people is truly comprehensive and testifies to the compiler’s success in presenting a holistic view of the people’s past, she said.
She said such book would be of immense help for the younger generation who wish to do research on and document the vast and rich cultural heritage of the Nagas. The book contains Ahikali’s own poem, which is also the title of the book “A glimpse of long ago” while 15 others are Sumi folklores translated into English.
In her introductory note, Ahikali said “oral tradition or oral lore is a way for a society to pass down history, literature, beliefs, values and other knowledge across generations without a written system.
“All the Naga tribes have rich oral tradition in the form of songs, poetry, tales and sayings,” she said adding that documenting them has become imperative as they are in danger of being lost with the passage of time.
She said the need to document the poems with the English translation as well as the deep desire to share a glimpse of our culture, customs and way of life to a wider audience and in a humble way to honour our forefathers, the idea of compiling and translating this collection developed,” she said.
Short speech was also delivered by publisher Dr. Lanusangla Tzudir. Chaired by Dr. KN Neikhathe programme commenced with Executive Secretary SABAK, Rev. Hotokhu P. Zhimo offering the prayer while Parliamentary Secretary Y. Vikheho Swu tendered the vote of thanks.
