Book on Naga Repatriation journey released

A book titled “Healing of the Lands: Reflections & Dialogues on the Naga Repatriation Journey”, edited by Dr. Pangernungba Kechu and Dr. Talilula, was officially launched on Saturday at Orchid Hall, Hotel Saramati. Published by PenThrill Publication House, the volume marks the 106th title from the publisher and features insights from the September 2024 Dialogue on Naga Repatriation, Decolonisation, and Healing.
The programme was graced by Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, convenor of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), who served as the special guest and formally released the book.
Addressing the gathering, Rev. Dr. Aier said the title Healing of the Lands was a conscious and thoughtful choice. He described the work as a symbolic journey of the Naga people towards restoring identity, memory, justice, and reconciliation.
Explaining the deeper significance, Rev. Dr. Aier said the book speaks of a sacred ancestral path—of remains being returned to their homeland. He stated that the book breathes life into collective memory and embodies justice and reconciliation. He emphasized that Healing of the Lands is about honouring indigenous dignity, restoring wholeness, and gathering what he termed “Naga ecology.”
According to him, the community’s trajectory had long been diverted and stretched, but the dialectical process is finally converging. He described the moment as the beginning of a healing process through truth, return, and ancestral presence. “This,” he said, “is where we need to be together.”
Delivering the publisher’s note, PenThrill founder Vishü Rita Krocha acknowledged the immense dedication of editors, designers, and contributors. She remarked that Healing of the Lands is more than a book—it reflects the collective aspiration of the Naga people to reclaim their history and cultural narrative. Krocha noted that despite limitations in distribution, the book is now available on Amazon, offering wider reach across the country.
Reflecting on her publishing journey over the past 11 years, she shared that PenThrill has published works by over 100 authors from Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh. She voiced hope that the younger generation will carry forward the legacy of storytelling through reading, writing, and documentation.
The programme also featured personal remarks from contributors Küvethilü Thülüo and Dr. Loina Shohe, who spoke on their experience with the project. Editors’ notes were presented by Dr. Kechu and Dr. Talilula. A moving eulogy was delivered by Dr. Aküm Longchari in memory of the late Dr. P. Ngully, a distinguished member of FNR-RRaD (Recover Restore and Decolonise). Impressions of the book were shared by Bauna Panmei.
The event was chaired by Dr. Imnuk Pongen, with invocation led by Bokali Chishi Mughavi. It concluded with a musical performance by Martula Lemtur, adding a touching cultural note to the gathering.