Easterine Kire addressing the closing of the Nagaland Literature Festival at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School Kohima on December 13. (Photo by Jabu Krocha)
Morung Express News
Kohima | December 13
“Oshikimthi, Kanga Pelar, Npezie.” These are three ways to say ‘Thank you’ in Sumi, Ao and Tenyidie, said noted Naga poet, novelist & short story writer, Easterine Kire while addressing the closing ceremony of the Nagaland Literature Festival at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Kohima on December 13.
“Let us not forget our native languages, but let us branch out, let’s not write only in English, let’s become bilingual when we can, for those of us who can,” she urged in this regard while stating appreciation for the readings held earlier in the day by poets and authors, some of which included poetry in their native language.
She urged the gathering to make an effort to appreciate it, as Nagas have so many languages under one sky, which, she said is God’s blessing on all of us. With so many young people engaging themselves in poetry, she also encouraged them to write poetic prose while pointing out that people are more successful at writing prose.
Also observing that the whole of North East is looking up to Nagaland in the field of literature, she said it is very intimidating, but also added, “let us do better, in a sense, let us do quality.”
Kire further expressed that she is very proud of the Writers Collective Kohima while congratulating them on successfully organising the 5th Edition of NLF. “I bless you, and I really appreciate the hard work that you have done,” she expressed.
