Writing preserves cultural heritage for posterity — Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu

KOHIMA — President of Ura Academy, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, on Thursday said that writing is an endeavour for posterity, as it preserves cultural heritage, folklore, and traditions that serve as treasures for future generations to inherit.

He was addressing the Ura Academy’s Annual Writers and Poets Meet 2025 held at Ura Academy Hall, Mission Road, Kohima.

The president highlighted that, based on last year’s writers and poets meet, the event was organised with the objective to inspire and encourage more book publications and writings in different forms.

He expressed delight that within a year, many books have been published and launched on various occasions and commended the authors and poets for their contributions. He added that nine books will also be launched and expressed hope that more books will be launched soon.

Dr. Liezietsu pointed out that society is divided politically into parties and even among the Naga political groups, with factions in the present Naga society.

However, he stated that Ura Academy belongs to the Tenyimi community and is a common platform which is collective, and everyone can contribute and partake in it in various capacities irrespective of age.

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Observing that the academy is ever progressing, he also called for greater participation of the community in the growth of the Tenyidie language.

Pointing out that a substantial number of books have already been published, the president asserted the need to have more books published, be it collections of jokes, stories, poems, or others, as it is essential to develop literature and let it grow.

The president informed that Ura Academy now has about 1,748 poems and added that more poetry books will also be released soon.

Furthermore, Dr. Liezietsu called for concerted efforts among the attendees of the programme and stated that Ura Academy can lend support for editing and publishing.

On the occasion, a total of nine books were also released. The books are “Nagamia Seyie Dze” authored by Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu; Zeliangmia Dzeweko Kephrü mu Mechü Kelhou nu Kese” by Kikruneinuo Liezietsu; “Kehoupuorei (Zhovi Rüsie)” by Lt. Prof. D Kuolie; “Terhüneio: Rüsie” by Vesetso; “Amu Nuo Pelimia” and “Thenupfü Rüli” by Khrinyio Leruo;  “Charlie: Übou Vüyakezhayo” by Khriesaneisa Rutsa; “Kewhira Mission Compound” by Vitshulieü Sekhose; “A Terhü Ze Kese Mecüthorte” by Daso Paphino.

The programme, led by Daso Paphino, vice president of Ura Academy, began with an invocation prayer offered by Kevingulie Rhatsu, director of Angami Christian Literature Society, ABCC.

Viswema Tsiepfumia Krotho presented a folk song, while special songs were presented by Ato Nienu and Khriezotuonuo Pienyu and siblings. M Meguo-o recited poems during the programme.

Later in the afternoon, Vishü Rita Krocha, author, journalist, and publisher of Penthrill Publication House, spoke on ‘Book Publishing’ during the first technical session, which was moderated by Vimedo Keyho, assistant professor at Kohima Science College.

In the second session, Dr. Khrüvolu Keyho, assistant professor at Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, spoke on ‘Methodology of writing,’ and Vizonyü Liezietsu, member of Ura Academy library committee, spoke on ‘Punctuations.’ The session was moderated by Dr. Keduolhoulie Belho, associate professor at Kohima College, Kohima.