Dr Shürhozelie Leizietsu releasing the souvenir to celebrate Capi’s 25 years of existence on November 9. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express news
Kohima | November 9
Capi, one of the few vernacular newspapers in the state attained 25 years today and celebrated the jubilee here at Ura Academy Hall under the aegis of the Ura Academy Tenyidie Kerüvuo Krodo.
Ura Academy President, Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu after launching the souvenir questioned whether the Tenyidie language can continue to grow if speaking the language declines with progress of time, even if Tenyidie achieves prominent position among other Naga languages in literature and higher education.
In literature and higher education, he said Tenyidie was ahead of other Naga Languages; however in the curriculum of schools, the common Tenyidie languages was not majorly spoken but spoken in one's version. Stating that among many blessing that have been bestowed upon the community, language is one of the biggest blessings, he added
In Nagaland University, it is one of the subjects with more than 300 people who have acquired Master's degree. All of them were awarded their degrees after submission of dissertation on one topic in Tenyidie, he mentioned. He added that till date there are 7 people from NU, Tenyidie Department who have been awarded doctoral degree in the subject with different topics. The topics, he pointed out were not confined to ‘our’ communities alone but on broad subjects outside the region. He further said that many translations to Tenyidie have also been made in the process.
Although these academic contributions are important for the growth of the language, he said the language will diminish if it is confined to a circle.
Leizietsu asked the people to ponder on who is responsible to expand the scope and importance of the original language form. He commended the Capi newspaper for its role in keeping the language alive, through its daily print edition that caters to news and information locally, nationally and internationally.
These initiatives, he said, are not established for profits, but rather for contributing to the growth of the language and the people of the present and coming generation.
While, the Tenyidie Kerüvuo Krodo has begun an initiative to 'Save Nature, Save earth,’ Leizitsu said this was an issue of international importance. This initiative, he said needs to spread to all villages and regions.
He reminded that the Tenyimia were considered a matured community while observing that the present Tenyidie community, particularly leaders, have become reluctant to appreciate one another and keep blaming one another. He said that there is no time to dwell in spreading negativity among each other.
"If we have to stand on the position of our elders today, we must open our hearts to everything and forgive one another to look forward for progress." He called upon people to encourage one another in the direction of progress.
Inception & Journey of Capi Daily
Editor and Publisher of Capi, Mhalezolie Kire had spoken about the inception of the newspaper during the event. The situation in the state during the inception years, Kire recalled was hard.
Going back to 1988, Late Vikesel Neikha was the first Publisher and R Solhou was the Editor. Till date, the humble newspaper saw its transition from letterpress to cradle printing and offset printing, which Kire opined would not have progressed without well wishers and reader support. From 1988, the paper was published weekly, bi-weekly, tri-weekly and became a daily in 1997.
The Editor narrated that one cold winter night in 2003, when the team had finished transcribing the newspaper, one of the pages had mistakenly fallen over the charcoal fire, rendering them unable to typeset the page for the morning edition. The endurance during the years, he remarked was worth the journey. He said that sometimes the working hours for the paper would be 12-14 hours.
Despite mechanical, technological, workforce changes that have come about, what remains unchanged till date is the calligraphy of 'Capi'.
During the programme, Alice Yhoshü, President, Kohima Press Club conveyed greetings. Thenucho, Krütau (Leader/President), Tenyidie Kerüvuo Krodo also delivered a speech. Special songs were presented by Methaneilie Jütakhrie, Southern Angami Cultural Society, Keneisedenuo and group, and CYE CRC Kohima Village.
