Dr Theyiesinuo Keditsu with the authors of ‘Our Petals’ Vizosienuo Shüya and Chozila L Sangtam at Ura Academy on May 2. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | May 2
“Why should women write? Because in general all over the world, people associate speech as the prerogative of men and silence as the prerogative of women.” These are thoughts Dr Theyiesinuo Keditsu, feminist poet & Assistant Professor, Kohima College, Kohima shared while addressing the launch of ‘Our Petals’ written by Vizosienuo Shüya and Chozila L Sangtam on Monday at Ura Academy.
Observing that the measure of femininity is silence and masculinity is speech, she noted that even in the Naga context, “speech in its more structured form is the prerogative of men in social arenas while when given the chance to give extempore, men do so much better and many women are paralysed with the fear that they are unable to say anything.”
In this regard, she maintained that one of the ways women can enter into public space, in democratic exercise, or in the ways that the society thinks or feels, is writing. Putting across that often readers look for works that are easy to understand, which proposes the idea that prose is somehow easy to understand, she also posed, “Why do you want it to be easy to understand? It's like you're saying I want to be an athlete but I want to run only this much.”
“Even when it comes to reading, why in the world are we demanding that something should be easy to understand?” she questioned while expressing that each poem is worth a thousand novels and is a universe in itself wherein one should allow it to sit and grow in them.
She also felt that when it comes to rights and access, women are always an afterthought, and “writing is the only way we can bring ourselves to existence, or where we can create space for ourselves.” Affirming that women must write as women, she further expressed that ‘Our Petals’ demonstrates the potential of women collaborating with women and is a wonderful example of a feminist piece.
Referring to the authors who hail from different corners of the state—one from Meriema and the other from Kiphire, she said that they have demonstrated that women can also lead the way for different divisions in the society where tribalism is rife for instance.
“Both of you have overcome many struggles and it has taken a lot of bravery not just to say it, but write it, and not only write it but also publish it,” she told the authors.
In her author’s note, Chozila L Sangtam talked about staying positive despite the many struggles and negativity that she has met with in life. When it came to her writing, there were those who said- ‘You are just writing poetry’, she revealed. But stating that “everyday, I push myself to write and work harder,” she urged the gathering to stay positive. “From my own experience, if I am positive, I get to finish my work on time,” she added.
Highlighting that ‘Our Petals’ defines their unity, she said, “We are totally opposite when it comes to our characters.” She emphasized that one must be themselves and stay original while adding that “if you want to become a writer, a businessman, or anybody, read books, it really helps.”
Vizosienuo Shüya noted that despite growing from such a journey where there is least appreciation for the kind of work they are undertaking, the best thing is that they made it where they are today.
Talking about her parents who were present at the launch, she said, “They pretty much don't understand half of what is happening here today but I am sure they are very proud of me.” The best thing about collaborating, she said was that “there was no competition between the two of us. We were supporting each other all the way.”
In her publisher’s note, Vishü Rita Krocha noted that “publishing ‘Our Petals’ is yet another humble attempt of PenThrill to promote poetry with the belief that all these fresh voices also represent the hopes, aspirations, struggles, and happiness of our youth today. Poetry, I think can very well be the roadmap for the future that many young people aspire to have.”
She also stated belief that poetry tells stories of who we are as a people and also connects us to our roots and culture. “I believe, it further helps us discover ourselves regardless of whether you are the one writing it or reading it. And great poetry always enriches our experiences. I think we also look to poetry for comfort and to draw strength if not to relish the pleasure of reading”, she put across.
Highlights of the event included opening prayer by Rev Keduolhoulie Shüya, Pastor, Baptist Church, Meriema, special number by Kihikali H Rotokha and benediction by Chhaya Bisukarma, Secretary, Kohima Intercollegiate Evangelical Union while Vimeyiekho Vitso chaired the programme.
