L-R: Publisher, Vishü Rita Krocha, author, Niepusino Liegise & Viketuno Rio, Director of The White Owl seen during the launch of “Love Lives Here Still” at The White Owl on October 16.
Morung Express News
Chümoukedima| October 17
In a heartfelt tribute to her mother on her 5th death anniversary, Niepusino Liegise dedicated her debut book, “Love Lives Here Still” to Khremoü Liegise, who passed away on October 16, 2020. The book that also carries a section of verses penned by her mother is the 111th publication of PenThrill and was formally released by Viketuno Rio, Director of The White Owl on October 16, at the White Owl in Chümoukedima.
In her author's note, Niepusino Liegise who is an educator and a lawyer, said that 'Love Lives Here Still' is not just a book but a part of her soul, carrying a conversation between her and her mother, and shaped by the bond they shared, by grief, by resilience, and by love that has never left her.
She recalled her mother as someone who loved to put her thoughts into words and worked tirelessly for women. “Her heart always beat for the weaker sections of society”, she said.
Expressing that her mother devoted much of her life to women’s organisations, the author added that , “her poems reflect that same passion, revolving around women, their quiet strength, and the powerful roles they play in our society.”
Even as her mother instilled the love for reading in her, she said that, “I began to love words, to understand their power, their ability to heal, build, and move hearts. Words became my way of keeping her alive.”
She also hoped that every reader who turns these pages will find meaning, purpose, and above all love. When she lost her mother in October 2020, she said that, “I thought I had lost everything. But her words remained.”
“This book is my tribute to her- my way of saying: love lives here still”, she put across.
‘Poetry isn't just written, it is lived’
Addressing the launch of “Love Lives Here Still”, Viketuno Rio, Director of The White Owl, remarked that reading her poems felt intimate and familiar.
Highlighting that, “it speaks of lives that hold us together- family and love, the innocence of young hearts, enduring friendships, quiet strength of a woman who loved fiercely, and lived fully”, she underlined that, “each piece feels alive honest, heartfelt and deeply human.”
What makes this book even more special, she added, is that it not only holds Niepusino's voice but also her mother's, whose memory is being honoured. Terming it as a beautiful way to celebrate love and legacy through words that continue to live on, she further underscored that, “Love Lives Here Still” reminds us that poetry isn't just written, it's lived. It's the beauty of flowers, laughter, friends and the love of God that surrounds us every day.”
“May this book remind us to listen to the poetry around us, to cherish it, and carry it forward”, she added.
In her tribute, Zaisi Ramlia spoke of her relationship with Khremo Liegise, and described her as a women of remarkable strength and humility. Expressing that her life was an example of selflessness, compassion and commitment to the welfare of the society and particularly for the advancement and upliftment of womenfolk, she said that, “her legacy is not only in the institution she helped built but also in the enduring values she imparted to us all.”
In her Publisher's note, Vishü Rita Krocha stated that, “this book is a rare work of art that immortalises the memory of a beloved mother, and the other mother figures in the author's life.”
Stating that “each one of us have these special mothers in our lives”, she also expressed confidence that it would resonate with every reader and further exuded hope that, “those of us who like to write or tell stories, will continue to keep the art of writing and storytelling alive.”
Impressing upon that even after we are long gone, our stories will remain and they can continue to have an effect on other people, she urged that everyone can play a role in preserving our stories either as a reader or a storyteller.
Highlights of the programme included Dedicatory Prayer by Rev. Dr. Sanyü Iralu, Principal, Shalom Bible Seminary and special presentation by Asebi Khate while Dechen chaired the programme.
It may also be mentioned here that the foreword to the book was written by Patricia Mukhim, Editor, The Shillong Times, Former Member of the National Security Advisory Board & a recipient of the Padmashree in 2000.
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