Rev. Dr. Wati Aier releases book on Naga repatriation and healing

DIMAPUR — A book “Healing of the Lands: Reflections & Dialogues on the Naga Repatriation Journey,” facilitated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR)-Recover Restore and Decolonise (RRaD), was released by FNR convenor Rev. Dr. Wati Aier on Saturday at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur.

The book, edited by Dr. Pangernungba Kechu and Dr. Talilula, and published by PenThrill Publication House, is a compilation of diverse contributions from Naga voices across homelands and the global diaspora.

It emerged from the September 2024 Dialogue on Naga decolonisation, repatriation, and healing, and FNR-RRaD's community-led initiatives over the past five years.

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Rev. Aier, upon releasing the book, noted that “Healing of the Lands” represents a discovery of a missing dimension of Naga belonging. He added that after years of divergence, the dialectical process is now converging, suggesting that synthesis is a possibility.

Healing of the lands is all about the sacred journey of Naga ancestral remains returning home, returning from thousands of miles away where they are restless, he said.

The book, he opined, “weaves memory, justice and reconciliation honouring indigenous dignity and restoring wholeness.”

 “We are trying to gather-garner-gather Naga ecology. We are trying to bring wholeness to the land. As I have indicated earlier, the missing dimension of Naga belonging. If the intellectual community can think creatively, be a little more imaginative we can transform into the cultural imagination and start thinking and if we can think, this is the beginning of that what we call Naga bringing and making the Naga belonging a reality,” the FNR convenor commented.

He emphasised that the book marks the beginning of healing through truth, return, and reconnecting with ancestral presence, and that coming together is essential for this journey.

Book sales remain a challenge — PenThrill

Publisher of PenThrill Publication House, Vishü Rita Krocha, described “Healing of the Land” as a significant publication that embodies the collective aspirations of the Naga community.

According to Krocha, the The book represents a movement to reclaim the community's historical and cultural narrative, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting Naga heritage.

She admitted that while it's been a great joy publishing books over the decade, one of the biggest challenges has been marketing the books.

And given the rarity of exclusive book stores in the state, she shared that they have also resorted to selling their books through very unusual channels including general stores, hospitals, jewellery stores, clothing stores, cafes or even dental clinics. 

According to the publisher, the reality of selling books remains a challenge. Books are slow and most of the most of the titles take years to sell.

The publisher expressed concern that store commissions and distribution fees are steep, ranging from 25% to 50-60%, particularly for books sold outside the state or region.

“But regardless of how slow the book sales can be, it's been my utmost pleasure to amplify indigenous voices of more than 100 authors from Nagaland and also from Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh over the last 11 years”, she added.