L-R: Publisher, Vishü Rita Krocha, Menang Longkumer, & Author & Poet, Dr. Avinuo Kire during the formal launch of ‘I Think to Myself’ at The BookHome, Billy Graham Road in Kohima on June 19.
PenThrill’s 122nd publication, ‘I Think to Myself’ released
Morung Express News
Kohima | June 19
“Today, more than ever, we need poetry in this very turbulent world we are living in, a world that is deeply wounded and fractured”, remarked noted Author & Poet, Dr Avinuo Kire on June 19 while addressing the launch of PenThrill’s 122nd publication, “I Think to Myself” written by Menang Longkumer.
During the event held at The BookHome in Billy Graham Road, Kohima, she underscored that, “more than ever, we need to act”. And to act well, she said that, “we must first look inwards” while emphasising that, “we need to retrospect, to think wisely, deeply and honestly.”
Further impressing upon that thoughts in written form can be an effective moral compass, she stated that her first impression of the book was the title, ‘I Think to Myself’ with no frills, but “just simple and straightforward, profound, I thought to myself.”
As readers would discover, she said the book is “a poignant collection of poems, candid and vulnerable, often whimsical, poems delving into the musings of the Poet- his thoughts and reflections on life, on nature, capturing beauty in this simple ordinary life.”
‘Sometimes, it is enough to pause, notice, & simply think to ourselves’
In his Author’s Note, Menang Longkumer expressed that, “I have always found myself returning to moments of silence—the quiet spaces between conversations, the brief pauses in an ordinary day, and the thoughts that arrive when the world finally settles down.”
Stating that it is often in these small moments that he finds myself asking questions, revisiting memories, and trying to understand the many fragments that make up life, he highlighted that, “I Think to Myself was born from those moments” and added that, “this collection is not an attempt to provide answers or offer grand conclusions about life, but rather, an invitation to pause—to sit with the questions we often overlook and to pay attention to the thoughts that stay with us a little longer.”
Within the pages are pieces of his own journey, he stated while citing his love for the hills he calls home, his longing for stories that came before him, his questions about the world he inhabits, and his attempts to understand where he belongs within it all.
“I often find myself looking back at the simplicity of the past—the lives of my grandparents, the stories of my ancestors, and the landscapes that hold their memories—while also trying to make sense of a world that continues to change around me”, he further expressed.
In the meantime, highlighting that these poems are not only about nostalgia, he said that, “they are also about questioning. They come from the belief that to wonder, to doubt, and to think deeply about the things around us is an essential part of being human.”
“Sometimes we accept life as it is handed to us, but perhaps there is beauty in pausing long enough to ask why”, he added.
“I Think to Myself”, he further divulged is “a collection of doubts, memories, questions, and quiet observations. A reminder that sometimes we do not need immediate answers. Sometimes, it is enough to pause, notice, and simply think to ourselves.”
‘Future guardians of our stories’
In her Publisher’s note, Vishü Rita Krocha recalled her association with the author which began with the publication of his debut book, ‘Besought Grit” in the year 2024 and subsequently as a PenThrill intern last year. She commended the author’s continued journey while describing him as a remarkable young voice in modern Naga literature.
Stating that working with Menang has been a distinct pleasure, she said that, “it is not merely because of the evocative way he commands language or the deeply heartfelt stories he carries within him; but because of the person he is.”
In an era that moves with dizzying haste, she remarked that, “Menang remains remarkably grounded—a genuinely good, humble, and sincere person at such a young age.” His deep-rooted passion for Naga literature is both inspiring and exemplary, she added.
As a publisher, she further emphasised that, “there is nothing more rewarding than amplifying the voices of our young storytellers” while underlining that, “It is particularly gratifying when we see consistency because writing requires endurance, and those who remain steadfast in their craft, like Menang, are incredibly vital.”
“They are, in every sense, the future guardians of our stories, our memories, and our cultural landscape”, she underscored.
Highlights of the event included a conversation with the author, moderated by Angel Raikhan, Editorial Assistant, PenThrill. She also chaired the programme and said the prayer.
