Abu Metha seen with Vishü Rita Krocha during the release of the book ‘From the broken earth’ held in Kohima on November 1. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | November1
A book titled ‘From the broken earth’ written by poet, author, journalist and publisher of Penthrill Publication, Vishü Rita Krocha was released by Advisor to the Chief Minister, Abu Metha as a special guest at The Heritage, Kohima on November 1.
The book contains 60 poems, each with an accompanying image most of which were written during these two years of the pandemic, according to the author.
Narrating about a story she wrote about a returnee who got just give minutes to bid farewell to his father who died while he was in quarantine in Tuensang, Krocha said “in a world before Coronavirus, I would never have imagined grieving the loss of a loved one from so far away. Some of us have lost loved ones to COVID or otherwise during these two years.”
As people across the world live in fear, anxiety and loneliness, Krocha said, she turned to poetry, “because expressing myself in writing, always has a way of making me feel better about life in general.”
“Through the darkest days of the pandemic, I found hope in the goodness of nature and God’s divine providence. The impermanence of life was made even more prominent by COVID, but I sought comfort in these unparalleled joys, and incorporated them in my writing” said the author - a COVID survivor herself.
While the pandemic has had a devastating impact on almost every aspect of lives, Krocha said “for me, the greatest joy in writing these poems, was being able to bring hope and light to somebody’s life.”
Dedicating the book to all who showed her love, hope and kindness and to all those resilient spirits that soared and shone through these dark times, the author maintained “I know the pandemic is not over yet, but I think we have persevered and survived one of the most devastating years in human history and I still carry that hope that we will overcome someday.”
Congratulating the author and describing her as ‘a treasure of Naga society’, Metha iterated that Naga society must recognise and support art, creativity and innovations as they bring so much joy into the lives of the people.
Art of any form, he said ‘influence minds, impact thoughts and form opinions” and reminded that artists play leadership role in the society. For the society to progress, Metha viewed that artists must be given space and due recognition.
Observing that Nagaland has been known for all the wrong reasons for too long, Metha asserted, “It’s time for Nagaland to be known with all the right things and good reasons” and urged the young generation to be the ambassador of a new Naga to the world.
He also suggested that a literary meet can be organised in the capital town celebrating the historic place of Kohima, for which he has assured all support from the government.
Earlier, Dr Avinuo Kire, Associate Professor, Department of English, Kohima College and Dr Theyiesinuo Keditsu, feminist poet and educator gave their comments on the book.
