‘We have to write our own story’

Gordon Graham Prize for Naga Literature 2021 award ceremony conducted

Morung Express News
Kohima | November 30 

Maintaining that there were not many opportunities for writers a decade ago, Veio Pou, winner of the prestigious Gordon Graham Prize for Naga Literature (GGPNL) 2021 in the fiction category, counted himself fortunate to be living at this point of time in the Naga society, which is ushering with many opportunities. He won the prize for his book “Waiting for the dust to settle.”

In his acceptance speech at the award ceremony at Hotel Japfü, Kohima on Tuesday evening, he said he was particularly drawn to the mission statement of the Gordon Graham Prize and said that he was encouraged by the fact that the award is aimed at recognizing and rewarding the ‘knowledge-keepers’ and ‘idea-givers’ of Naga society. Pointing out that these two phrases are loaded with meaning, he articulated that “every society holds such individuals with high esteem because they help steer the path to progress and upliftment.”

He pointed out that one of the reasons why the rich oral culture has not been fully realized in the Naga society is “our overzealous pursuit of an imported culture that is primarily written.” He expressed concern that for a long time, we have largely ignored our oral culture without realizing the importance embedded in it. In this regard, he expressed, “how wonderful it would have been if our education system was built around incorporating the values of both.”

However, today, he noted that the society has come to a realization of values that makes up Naga culture and tradition, which is further seen in the writings that are emerging. He went on to say that the influence of the oral tradition is very strong in the way stories are told and asserted that “while we continue to tell stories orally, as we have always done, we now also use the mode of writing to tell our stories.” ‘Oral’ and ‘written’ are not opposed to each other, he added.

In the non-fiction category, Wangto Chingmak was awarded the Prize for his book, “The Chang Nagas- In memory of our undefeated ancestors.” He said he wrote the book to let Naga brethren know the Changs better and also to encourage the educated youngsters of the Chang community to write. Stating that it was his humble effort through the book to add to the treasures of the Naga heritage, he said that the Award will remain a great encouragement to contribute more to Naga heritage and their testimony as a unique people.

Addressing the Award Ceremony, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio expressed belief that this is just the beginning for a young society like Nagaland and appreciated the Kohima Educational Society (KES) for the innovative initiative to encourage writers. He further appreciated the Kohima Educational Trust and the setting up of KES among the Naga society, whose friendship has reached the British legacy.

With all the initiatives undertaken by the KES to help the community, he said that the institution should be built in such a manner that it will continue to grow in a greater level and support writers. He encouraged writers to continue to express themselves while also noting that a lot of stories and Naga experience have been written by non-Nagas earlier. “But their story will be different”, he said.

He also pointed out that when oral or storytelling is passed down from generation to generation, the narration will change unless it is documented. Further emphasizing on intensive research, he said, “We have to write our own story, a true story so that our younger generation will know where they come from and we can grow from strength to strength.”

In the meantime, he also assured that “we will do much more for our Naga literature society.”

Read more: GGPNL 2021: In conversation with authors, writers & judges