PenThrill Publication celebrated their 10 years of publishing in Nagaland on Monday at Kohima College courtyard with advisor School Education and SCERT Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome as the anniversary guest.
Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, who is also a writer and academics, in his short speech, appreciated publisher, PenThrill Publication House, Vishü Rita Krocha for her outstanding work in the field of literature.
In addition, attention was drawn to the ever-present influence of technology and the impact and challenges it presents to the publishing industry.
Rita Krocha highlighted “10 years of publishing in Nagaland” where she informed that 10 years ago, she took the biggest risk of her life to embark on a journey of unfamiliarity.
“It was in the early part of 2013, that I quit my fulltime job in journalism and poured everything that I had—my heart, time, energy and resources into building something that I, myself knew very little about”. she mentioned.
She disclosed that when she ventured into publishing in the same year, she had no grand plans for bestsellers, no business sense, no resources whether financially or otherwise. “I also had no idea what it would be like for PenThrill ten years down the line or if PenThrill would even stand the test of time for the next few years. I was just another poor journalist, who believed in the power of words, and was deeply persuaded by the thought that ‘writing’ can change the world”, she said.
She said ten years ago, publishing was almost unheard of, and there were also very few authors from Nagaland that one could name and despite the fact that the oral tradition of Naga literature has been passed down from generations to generations.
“But today, as I stand here, I can proudly say that PenThrill has a ten-year success story to share. It certainly wasn’t without challenges”, she said.
Krocha stated that she had worked with more authors than she could have ever imagined.
Along the way, some of them have become friends, and some, although their works were published posthumously, she said it gave her a real sense of fulfilment of being able to preserve the memory of their works.
Indigenous feminist, poet, academic, and educator Dr. Theyiesinuo Keditsu shared her experiences with PenThrill, where three of her books were published, emphasizing that the publishing house provides a positive and affirming space.
She emphasized on the importance of supporting PenThrill due to its significant role in shaping the literary ecosystem and its status as one of the largest and most successful publishing houses in Nagaland, known for their meticulous editing and arrangement of books.
She also stressed on the importance of being open to critical engagement when it comes to being an author. The programme was chaired by Meneno Vamuzo, assistant professor Kohima Science College, Jotsoma Teisovi Gerard Meyase greeted the crowd; Mt. Sinai Hr. Sec School Kohima chaplain Zaseto Sasü blessed the programme with invocation while Zizi and Jewel presented melodious voices and music.