Nagaland: ‘The ancestral voice’ Yimkhiung folktales launched

“The ancestral voice” Yimkhiung Naga Tales and Stories by Runshito Lim, marking the 116th publication of PenThrill, was launched on Wednesday at Dr. Setu Memorial Hall, Alder College, Kohima.
Special guest Obed Quinker, chairman of the Nagaland Bee-Keeping & Honey Mission (NBHM), in his address reflected on the stark differences between education in the past and present. He noted that earlier students had to struggle without proper infrastructure, whereas today education offers far greater opportunities. Encouraging aspiring writers, he said stories must be re-narrated, retold and relived to remain alive, adding that the true strength of a writer lies in the ability to communicate effectively through their work.
In her publisher’s note, PenThrill publisher Vishü Rita Krocha said it had been some time since their last launch and described this first publication of 2026 as an exceptional beginning to the year. She termed the book a pioneering contribution from the Yimkhiung community and possibly in the state’s literary landscape. Krocha expressed encouragement at the strong participation of the Yimkhiung Literature Board and Tribal Council, noting that their presence signified recognition of literature’s power in shaping society. She added that the book celebrates shared history and culture while capturing the common thread of unity among Naga tribes.
Author Runshito Lim shared that his love for storytelling began in childhood while growing up with his maternal grandparents.
Listening to his grandfather’s collection of Yimkhiung folktales from Huker and Chessore inspired him to preserve and retell these stories.
R. Tohanba, chairman of the Yimkhiung Literature Board and former parliamentary secretary, and Laji Luyanba, general secretary of Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC), also spoke at the event. The programme began with an invocation by Rachel, women director of Yimkhiung Baptist Borü Kohima. Dr. Theyiesinuo Keditsu, poet and academic, presented the book review, while Lily, CED of Yimkhiung Baptist Borü Kohima, pronounced the benediction.