Our Correspondent
Kohima, Feb. 18 (EMN): “Mamatoktetba Taochi,” an autobiography written in Ao dialect by Meyisongla, retired deputy director of nursing, was released by Temjen Tzudir, secretary of Ao Senden Literature Board (ASLB) in Kohima on Friday.
In the book ‘Mamatoktetba Taochi’ (Unforgettable grace), the author described her first hand experience of the Indian army operation in her village. On April 30, 1956, Mongsentimti was sprayed with bullets from every corner and the entire village was completely razed to ashes by fire by the Indian army and all the villagers had to abandon their village and flee to the jungles, she recounted.
Many, like her and her family, took shelter in the remotest fields and survived on for days and weeks together. During those times, many Nagas suffered untold miseries and deaths at the atrocities of the Indian army, she added.
From such a dire circumstance, God miraculously opened a way for her to hide in the fields and to Shillong, where she took nursing training. Later on, she went on to complete more courses in Delhi, America, Australia and retired as the deputy director in the medical department in the year 1999.
Meyisongla narrated that she was inspired to write her autobiography to tell the world about how the Lord Jesus graciously delivered her from darkness to light. She added that the book was written as a record for the upcoming generations on first-hand experience she and her contemporaries saw during one of the most difficult times in Naga history.
The 83 year old author and a renowned social worker had served in many organisations in different capacities and written seven other books.
Releasing the book, I Temjen Tzudir, who had read the book twice, stated that the book would benefit and reach out to many people if translated into English.
The deputy director of Border Affairs, Dr. Tali Imsong, also echoed Temjen Tzudir and stated that the book would inspire many if translated into English. He described her as “wonderful lady” and a person who “never give up.”