Dr Akho Yhokha and Dr Easterine Kire during the book release of ‘Tracing My Roots: Kigwema and Beyond.’
Morung Express News
Kigwema | May 18
‘Tracing My Roots: Kigwema and Beyond’, a book authored by Dr Akho Yhokha was released by Naga writer and poet, Dr Easterine Kire at Puhokhwel Sakhrie Hall, JBCC Complex Kipfüzha, Kigwema on May 18.
A Barkweaver Publications, the book is a collection of migration narrative tracing from the authors village Kigwema to the general humanity through the creation theory.
Dr Kire stated that the book is a very strong statement of faith. Among Angami Nagas, Kigwema is often considered the mother of all our villages, regarded the beloved Naga Writer.
“While the writer calls it ‘Tracing my roots,’ we are including ourselves. The rest of us feel included. And we feel that we are also tracing our roots. As a reader, I believe this is a very important book. Because it proves that Nagas have a concrete origin and concrete past. That, that somewhere is a definite place. Because he gives probable geographical locations of our ancestors,” stated Dr Kire.
She expressed that the book will be of immense value for scholars-of varied fields from Linguistics to Anthropology-who wants to work on migration narratives. “Today a door has been opened for us,” stated Dr Kire.
In her opening remarks, Dr Visakhonü Hibo, Principal, Japfü Christian College, Kigwema shared the complexities of writing migration stories which is often tricky and requires immense courage. In between the dilemma of respecting every narrative and allowing primacy to the “First Settler,” Dr Hibo remarked that Dr Akho's book takes the middle path. “He generously accommodates varied narratives that crosses his path but also pause and stress strongly on areas that have logical sequence. He has taken a methodology that researchers would validate as suiting to an oral culture,” highlighted Dr Hibo.
“Tracing My Roots: Kigwema and beyond has opened avenues for more root tracing within the vicinities of Kigwema Village and beyond. It also has reconfirmed the fact that majority of Southern Angamis did not sojourn at Kezhakeno, as opposed to popular thinking,” said Dr Hibo.
The essence of oral tradition in Naga society and culture was stressed, where Dr Hibo also pointed out that oral tradition is narrated at three levels: first at the level of the generic Naga identity, second, at the level of individual tribe, and third, at the level of specific lineages. “And in that context, Dr Akho's book which begins from beyond and settles at his birthplace Kigwema, definitely has become an indispensable tool for researchers here and beyond,” added Dr Hibo.
During the book reading, the author Dr Akho noted that the idea of generating a document of migration narratives began during his scholarship years in the UK in the 1980s. Yhokha spoke elaborately on the Naga origin and Naga identity. He expressed the hope that the book will further generate curiosity on research and books on one's origin and identity among the younger generation.
The dedication prayer by Rev Mekhale Yhoshü and the closing remarks and prayer were presented by Dr Dietho-o Yhoshü.
About the author:
A dairyman by profession, Dr Akho Yhokha pioneered the first milk processing plant in Nagaland-Dimapur Central Diary, commonly known as Komul, subsequently changed to Dimul. He was instrumental in setting up Capital Diary under the brand Milkcon at Kohima.
Dr Akho Yhokha was born and raised in Kigwema village, Kohima. He completed his Bsc from Cotton College, Gauhati University and MSc. (Dairying) from National Diary Research Institute, Karnal Haryana (1978). Following which he completed a course on Radio Isotope Technique from University of Technology, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK (1982). He was conferred with PhD from the School of Agriculture, Nottingham University, UK (1987).
At present he resides at Kipfuzha sector, Kigwema with his wife Adono and children.
