Vishü Rita Krocha and Yirmiyan Arthur Yhome releasing a book
‘Where the light finds us’ in Kohima on Friday. (EM image)
KOHIMA — ‘Where
the light finds us,’ a collection of short stories by Vishü Rita Krocha, poet,
author and journalist from Nagaland, marked the 100th publication of PenThrill,
an independent publishing house she founded 11 years ago.
The book, which was launched on Friday, is Krocha’s sixth
book.
Over the past decade, PenThrill has published different
genre of books including poetry, fiction, no0n-fiction, biography, graphic
novels, cook books, manga comics, children's books, folktales, photo poetry,
memoirs etc.
“Eleven years ago, I have pictured in my mind how exciting
it would be, for me, to have a full-fledged office to facilitate the publishing
process of all these amazing works and stories that keep pouring in, but I also
realise that this is something that would take more time, maybe even years,”
Krocha shared at the book launch programme in Kohima.
Krocha went on to add that she had not imagined that
PenThrill would have published over 100 books primarily from Nagaland but also
from the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur including Tenyidie and Sumi.
Her journey of publishing began in 2008 with ‘Echoes of
spring,’ co-authored with her sister, Agnes.
“In marking this 100th publication, we celebrate the many
diverse voices and stories of our people in literature that have essentially
given readers not just here but wherever our books have reached, a better
understanding of the Naga life, illuminating experiences of a unique culture
and tradition; strength, love and resilience,” the publisher said.
She added it celebrates all the narratives that have been
published by PenThrill in the form of a book. She stated that the stories would
continue to challenge, inspire and resonate across generations.
“Reading and writing are fundamental pillars for
communication in any society and I will always feel that for our society to
fully progress, we will have to raise a generation of readers and writers,” she
added.
She encouraged the attendees to take the opportunity to
purchase and read diverse books, rich with culture and history, as that would
go a long way in fostering a community where all voices are valued and heard.
‘Where the light finds us,’ features seven stories based on
real incidents with fictionalised elements. The collection encompasses tales of
the people spanning different generations, throwing light into the issues and
lives that are either lived or imagined.
Some stories were previously published by PenThrill, Zubaan,
Sahitya Akademi and Routledge, while others are new.
Poet and writer, Agnes Tepa, in her remarks on the book,
observed that all live in a broken world and are all broken people.
“I still hear people talk about generations of young people
in the 80s and 90s wiped out by drug abuse. Rita’s book ‘Where the light finds
us’ begins by bringing alive such realities that existed and evoke emotions of
regrets, pains and compassion towards this form of brokenness,” she said.
She noted that the book itself cries out for healing for the
many minds tortured but ignored and still suffering its side-effects and the
many ills of the society swept under the carpet. Although the stories are
fictional, she stated that one could relate to it in so many ways and can’t
help but wish that Naga people are united for good causes.
Tepa said “A grandmother’s tale” was her favourite and
praised Krocha’s ability to absorb stories told by her grandmother.
‘Where the light finds us’ is a guarantee to give every
reader experiences no other book outside of Nagaland can offer,” Tepa added.
She expressed hope that the book would provoke the reader’s
actions to bring more hope and pave the way for light for healing of broken
people and for healing the world.
Yirmiyan Arthur Yhome, Asia-Pacific deputy news director
with The Associated and founder of The Book Home Library, Kohima, formally
released the book.
“Looking back ten years, who could have foreseen this
remarkable milestone,” she observed and added that Krocha's dedication has not
only enriched society but also provided a vital platform for young voices.
“Her writing about the Nagas and introducing the stories of
the people is inspiring,” Arthur said while adding that one must remember where
they come from.
She also reminded the attendees on the need to cultivate a
love for reading in children and among the present generation.
Earlier, Rakodu Nukhu, youth director of Chakhesang Baptist
Church Minister's Hill, Kohima, dedicated the book in prayer.
