‘Beyond the Banyan tree’ book released

T Kikon with Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu and others during the book launch programme in Kohima on October 25. (Morung Photo)

Our Correspondent

Kohima | October 25

A book entitled “Beyond the Banyan tree” written by ex-minister T Kikon, was released by Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu, former chief minister of Nagaland at a function held at de Oriental Grand, Kohima.

“Beyond the banyan tree” is the story of a young man who found fame and rejection hand in hand.

Kikon tells the story in affecting simplicity and directness, making a fascinating human document and perspective on an especially turbulent period in Nagaland.

Kikon has also authored two other books in the Lotha dialect, ‘Nino unti yanla' (Which village are you from), ‘Kyong osi onte sataronda' (Lothas and their political administration) and ‘Lothas in the age of awakening' in English.

He has also been named in the book, "500 Leaders of Influence' in the 7th edition, published by American Biographical Institute Research Association.

Kikon is a retired public figure whose career span stretches from the de-facto legislative assembly (as Interim Body Member) of the early 1960s till his retirement from active politics in 2008.

He describes Nagaland in its formative years and the gradual shift of public opinion and politics in Nagaland.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Liezietsu said that the book will remain a historical record for Naga people as a whole.

He lauded Kikon for his literary contribution to the Lothas in particular and the Nagas in general.

“He belonged to the first educated group of his community and as such, our society needed the services of people like him in every field. Accordingly, T Kikon has gone through so many varied lives with exciting experiences. I am sure people would like to read this book (Beyond the Banyan tree) and reap the benefits in various ways,” penned Dr Liezietsu in foreword.

Kikon in his speech thanked God for keeping him in good mental and physical frame throughout the writing of his autobiography.

“It took me several years to write my autobiography because I had to refer to my daily diaries dating right back to the late 1940s,” said Kikon.

Sharing some important milestones in his life, he said, “The autobiography is not just about my story but has been incorporated with many points of interest and programmes which I was not able to complete, but very much a part of my life journey.”

He said the story has a theme, where the title, "Beyond the Banyan Tree talks about the protagonist who steps out beyond the familiar village life to a new world opening up for the Nagas at that point of time.

Kikon said that he have served under P Shilu Ao during the IBM days, under Hokishe Sema and JB Jasokie as cabinet minister in various capacities and seen several change of guards taking place in Nagaland politics.

“Nevertheless, throughout my political career I have been very firm and resolute on solution to the protracted Naga political issue. In this regard I remained in regional political party rather than join mainstream national parties. It was a decision that I stuck with firmly through thick and thin; my friend Dr Shürho is well aware since we forged that stream together all these past several decades...I am content that I have served my purpose as a regional leader and retired with the conviction that young regional leaders will carry out our agendas and party ideology till the end,” Kikon said.

Rev Dr Ezamo Murry in book review said, “This book to me is a diligent chronicle of vital events in the life of Nagaland in general, and of the Lothas in particular.”

Priced at Rs 300, the book will be available in Dimapur at News World near DMC office, Modern Book Depot, near Deluxe Point, Reader's Emporium, Nyamo Lotha Road, Book and Book, Midland.

In Kohima, it will be available at Variety Book Depot, Old NST, Scholar Book House, New NST, Students Book Centre, PR Hill near SBI and Kohima Book Centre, TCP Gate.