A pioneering effort to showcase Naga writers

 

Dimapur, December 21 (MExN): ‘Of Voice And Paper’, contemporary short stories from Nagaland compiled and edited by Susan Waten, was released by Professor Temsula Ao, Dean for the School of Humanities and Education, NEHU, Shillong, today at the North East Zone Culture Zone Centre (NEZCC). ‘Of Voice And Paper’ is sponsored by the NEZCC and the book features twenty Naga writers.
‘Of Voice And Paper’, a compilation of short stories released
For the first time ever in Nagaland, following a writers’ workshop held earlier this year, ‘Of Voice and Paper’ brings Naga writers on a common platform to tell their stories and stories of other people. Assembling an array of talents, the book is a compilation of short stories (both fiction and non-fiction) of Nagas from different walks of life. These voices emerge from personal experiences as much as they emerge from artistic maneuvering. The voices speak about themselves and their fellow people, whether real or imagined, from within the socio-cultural and political context that is specifically their own.
Ranging from fantasy to comedy, tragedy to satire, the stories mainly revolve around a common person’s life in society, never over the top, and skillfully rooted to Naga reality. The stories also talk about social problems in the Naga society – about alcoholism in the family, prostitution in Dimapur, of misery and alienation, about effects of insurgency movement in people’s life and many more heart-warming stories. The book offers writings ranging from ‘dark effects’ to the ‘surreal’ thematic arrangement – sure to keep readers spellbound. The entire book is a collection of talents.
‘Of Voice And Paper’ is a pioneering effort of Holiday Abode for Writers and Artists to get Nagas interested in reading and writing about themselves from a literary point of view. This literary attempt is bound to generate self-introspection and a deeper realisation of individual lives in Naga society.
Professor Temsula Ao on releasing the book encouraged the writers to be true to themselves while writing. The NEHU Professor said many writers write only for the sake of writing; without any soul or truth. She said writers’ independence should be expressed and reflected in their writing. She was overwhelmed by the effort of Nagas writers to finally come out of the closet.
The twenty writers featured in ‘Of Voice And Paper’ include Imti Aier, Imti Longchar, Jungtina Jamir, Buno Iralu, Susan Lotha, Hekali Zhimomi, Bendang Chankija, Bambi Kevichusa, AN Manen, Patricia Zhimomi, Nikedono Punyu, Agnes Krocha, J Longkumer, Viu Meru, Moamenla Jamir, Toshi Langu, Virieno Zakiesato, Al Ngullie, Susan Waten and Speak Guru. The books will be available with the readers for sale and also at leading bookstores in Dimapur and Kohima. The book is prices at Rs.200 only.