‘Poetry & storytelling intertwine like ancient vines in Besought Grit’

Morung Express News
Kohima | August 8
Recalling how he prayed for a special talent and subsequently started reading as a personal challenge and commitment thereafter, 18-year-old Menang Longkumer said this incident sparked a fire within him, and further drove him towards writing like his favourite authors.

Thus began a journey of writing poetry, which culminated into a book titled, “Besought Grit” that was formally released today by Temjenwabang, Principal of Kohima Science College Jotsoma at Été Coffee.

“Poetry and storytelling intertwine like ancient vines in this collection”, he expressed in his author's note while highlighting that socializing with others in a group setting has also inspired him to create stories in the form of poetry based on the lives of many people.

Stating that these stories are relatable moments that make us human, he elaborated his point by saying that, “whether it is achieving success, facing failures, feeling joy, or struggling with depression, each experience is infused with an emotion-emotions waiting to be reframed in a positive light.” He said that the poems in the collection were written in a span of six years, and crafted with the intention of capturing the essence of positivity of shared emotions, each one illustrated with a corresponding image or art.

Menang Longkumer also expressed that his poetry can be interpreted in ways that resonate with the readers, and that it can be a source of inspiration, comfort, and joy.

Addressing the launch of the book, Dr Temjenwabang, Principal of Kohima Science College Jotsoma recalled his own encounter with poetry as a student and remarked that it became more interesting after learning the background of the poets.

Observing that “today, if we look at the education scenario, we are living in a very different era of information technology”, he opined that, “we have got libraries, with thousands and thousands of books and journals but if we look at students today, they hardly read these books but try to get readymade information from the internet especially with the emergence of AI.”

However, at the same time, he observed that there are some people like the young poet, who are devoting their time in writing and learning things from reading books, maintaining and preserving the legacy of learning from books.

“As a writer, the journey may not be so easy but at the same time, each author has his own course of path and the only way forward is to trust the path and trust yourself”, he stated. Pointing out that “over time, writers play with words, inventing new words, enriching our lives”, he underscored that, “AI may give us the kind of information we want anytime, or replicate things but they lack creativity and force that invoke deep emotions in us and that's the difference between a human writer and AI that we depend so much on.”

In her publisher’s note, Vishü Rita Krocha expressed that her resolve to publish poetry books ever since she ventured into publishing in the year 2013 is not for the mere sake of it, but that it stems from her own personal love for poetry. Over the last 10 years, she said, PenThrill has published over 40 poetry collections while emphasising how throughout history, poets have played a significant role in shaping societies across the world.

Poets, she remarked, “not only entertain readers with their personal tales but also serve as storytellers, record keepers, and cultural transmitters”. She also exuded her personal belief that poets can impact the society in more ways than one while articulating that, “through their distinct works of art, they especially foster empathy, emotional connection, and introspection, reminding us of our shared humanity.”

In her concluding remarks, Dr Bendangrenla S Longkumer, Assistant Professor of Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung, who also edited the book, said, “Besought Grit is a very unique amalgamation of creative arts that offers a harmonious blend of the written word and artistic expression through photographs and sketches. What stands out for me is how each of the poems are carefully crafted with profound layers of meaning, waiting to be uncovered to the keen reader.”

Highlights of the event included a special number by Kungsy Chawang and dedicatory prayer by Chubasenla Nokdir, A/P Youth, KABA while Limkokshi K Lamliu chaired the programme. Mention may be made here that “Besought Grit” is the 93rd publication of PenThrill Publication House.