Naga lady wins letter writing competition

[caption id="attachment_247209" align="aligncenter" width="565"] Aboli T Wotsa (third from left) pose for a photograph with officials and friends at Head Post Office in Kohima on May 3.[/caption] Our Correspondent Kohima, May 3 (EMN): At a time when the art of letter writing is almost forgotten, especially among the youth who spend much of their time in front of their smartphone screens, a Naga lady has brought back yesteryears’ nostalgia by winning the first prize in the Dhai Akhar letter writing competition for north east circle. Aboli T Wotsa from Nagaland was declared as the winner in the above 18 years Envelope category. Laxmi Prabha Das and Munna Kumar from Shillong won the second and third prizes respectively. The Dhai Akhar letter writing competition was organised by the department of Posts to promote the art of letter writing in the country. The topic of the campaign was “Letter to My Motherland” inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s “Amar Desher Mati”. The Nagaland Postal Division, Kohima conducted a congratulatory service for Wotsa at its head office in Kohima on May 3 for her achievement. The NPD presented her with a cash award of INR 25,000 along with a certificate at the event. Wotsa, who is the principal of New Life Academy in Dimapur, said that she was inspired by the works of Rabindranath Tagore. The fact that the campaign was motivated by Tagore’s song “Amar Desher Mati” made her to compete though on a short notice, she recalled. “It was a pleasant surprise,” she said on her achievement. Her 1000 words hand-written letter will be screened and sent for national level competition as well. Assistant Superintendent of Post, E Yanthan in his address stated that advancement of communication technology has diversified. Writing of self expressive letters in exchanging ideas have become less important, he lamented. He informed that the best writers were selected by a panel of experts from Post Office Headquarters, Shillong. He also congratulated her and expressed confidence that she will continue to use her writing skills to inspire people across the globe. Earlier, L Imtikumzuk, marketing executive said that the department would be organising similar programmes in future. He encouraged writers to come forward and participate. Excerpts from her letter: Oh Motherland!…Your smile is lovely and assuring, but alas! I see tears and anguish concealed gracefully behind the veil. I have bruised your heart and dampened your vibrant spirit, haven’t I? You graciously gave me your all, and here I am; selfish and destructive together with my fellow-mates. I, your precious child have tainted the lush green hills and befouled the sparkling waters, and wounded all living creatures of the mother-nature. Fear, shame and agony have I brought you…by abominably shoving my little sister to the gutter and piercing my beloved brother’s heart. I am…my own foolhardiness: Forgive me, my precious motherland.”