The 5th edition of the Nagaland Literature Festival (NLF 2025), organized by the Writers Collective Kohima, concluded today at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School. The two-day festival, held under the theme “Art and Artifice: Storytelling in the Age of AI,” featured a range of discussions, readings, and performances.
A key session on the second day, “Unraveling the Magic of Words,” saw 10 Naga writers present excerpts from their published works. This event highlighted the vibrant and ongoing literary output from the region.
Eminent poet and writer, Easterine Kire addressed the importance of linguistic preservation. While acknowledging the value of English proficiency, she stressed the crucial need to maintain native languages and advocated for active bilingualism.
Kire noted the challenges within India’s diverse linguistic environment but pointed to the flexibility inherent in many native languages. She specifically urged writers to branch out by composing work in their mother tongues, describing the region’s multitude of languages as a “significant blessing.” She also expressed concern over the trend of young families raising children to speak only English, calling it a mistake.
In her concluding remarks, General Secretary, Vizovono Elizabeth reflected on the festival’s journey. She celebrated the inclusion of both established and emerging Naga voices and the embrace of all creative forms, from visual art and jewelry to music and performance.
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Elizabeth defined literature as a reflection of life and the quintessential expression of human emotion. While acknowledging the proliferation of large-scale literature festivals across India, she highlighted the distinctive, community-focused vision of the NLF. She stated the Collective’s focus was not on competition but on nurturing local talent and providing a safe platform for young, aspiring artists.
Encouraged by unexpected support, including an international entry in the short story competition, she expressed confidence that their efforts were bearing fruit. She concluded by reiterating the Collective’s dream to nurture storytellers and echoed a central festival theme: to use human creativity as a primary gift and AI as a mere tool, safeguarding humanity’s soul in the process.
The festival also included a creative competition under the theme “What You Will.” The winners were announced as follows:
First: Muile Samuel Anar
Second: Sedevikho Metha
Third: Diethosono Bio
The closing ceremony was chaired by Sentinaro, with a benediction pronounced by Rev. Azahto Kiba.
