Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 14 (EMN): A book titled ‘Dzüleke Phese Mu Kelhoudze,’ which contained century-old stories spanning across 13 generations of Dzüleke village, was formally released in the village on August 13.
The book, in Tenyidie language, was an initiative of the Dzüleke Village Council, and written by Letso Meyase, Bunyü Sophi, Meto Khate, Megotsolie Chase and Rokovotso Meyase and published by Pen Thrill Publication House.
A 90-year-old, Vinyühu Meyase, and 87-year-old, Jieviu Sophi, released the book in the presence of senior citizens and other personalities. The book was said to be in the pipeline since 2010, but the project took off only in 2021.
“It took 532 days to complete the book which involved meeting a lot of people from Dzüleke, Khonoma, Kohima, Dimapur, Punglwa, Chümoukedima and interviewing about 18-20 people. Our other sources include primary and secondary sources, library and phone conversations, classroom lectures, unpublished documents," said Rokovotso Meyase speaking on behalf of the authors.
He added the book contained century-old stories of 13 generations that were acquired from the wisdom of the elderly.
“If we don’t document them now, we won’t have records of our past and history,” he added and asserted on the need to preserve the history of the place.
Publisher of PenThrill Publication, Vishü Rita Krocha, commended the Dzüleke Village Council for documenting the history and origin of the "beautiful" place in Tenyidie.
She expressed hope that the book would serve as a guiding light especially for the younger generations of Dzüleke to learn more about their forebears and also reconnect them to their roots.
Translations, she added, “cannot fully capture the nuances conveyed in different languages, but perhaps having this book translated into English would enable a lot more people to learn about the rich history of Dzüleke.”
Letso Meyase, pastor of Dzüleke Village Church, said the invocation, while Asa Meyase delivered the welcome address and a song was presented by Kecakielie. Neisavi Hieme, president of Rüffüno Nagaland, conveyed the greetings, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Meto Khate and prayer by Abino Terhüja.