Naga anthology ‘Homegrown’ released

A Naga Anthology titled, “Homegrown-Anthology of New Writings from Nagaland”, featuring 35 local writers and published by PenThrill Publication was released at a function held at Rivenburg’s Memorial Hall, Baptist College, here on March 24.
Releasing the book, author and independent researcher, Charles Chasie, said the book represented a whole new group of Naga writers. He observed that most people call themselves Naga but we were only so because they belong to a tribe and that was the only thing they know.
However, Chasie expressed happiness that some of the new writers had started delving into their folk stories and legends.
He opined that more should come because they contain important elements of Naga identity.
Publisher Rita Krocha, shared that the book presented poignant tales of what the Naga life was made of, heart-warming tales and poems that reminds of home in one way or the other, and essays that essentially highlight the fascinating journey of literature in Nagaland that had seen quite the transformation from oral to the written literature.
She lauded the two female editors for setting the bar high for literature in Nagaland.
Talking about the book, one of the editors, Sentinaro, said the anthology was conceptualized with the intention of bringing together the voices of younger emerging writers, with the hope that the writings would reflect and represent the present writings of the day.
She disclosed that the focus of the book was exclusively on the new writings that reflected the gradual evolution of the Naga literary scenario, particularly from writers who were “homegrown” in Nagaland. The second editor, Dr Vizovonuo, said that the book features award winning authors alongside emerging ones, some who have so far written only on social media.
“We are all Nagas at heart. It is also exciting to see an amalgam of different styles of writings on diverse themes,” she said.
The programme was chaired by asst prof, English dept, BCK, Dr Enünü Sale, while executive director, ABCC, Rev Dr Rachülie Vihienuo offered the invocation.
A review of the book was made by Prof & HoD, English dept, NU, Dr Nigamananda Das, while student of English dept, BCK made a special presentation.