Pro-Chancellor of North East Christian University, Dr Darlando Khathing on Wednesday released “This Silence”, the third volume of poems by acclaimed writer, poet, and journalist, Monalisa Changkija. He described the release of the book as “a great honour” and a moment of deep literary significance.
Speaking at the programme, Dr Khathing congratulated Monalisa Changkija for her extraordinary contributions to journalism and literature. He noted that many present were family members and close associates, underscoring the collective pride surrounding her achievements.
Dr Khathing highlighted that Monalisa Changkija has been widely acknowledged as one of the leading women entrepreneurs in journalism. He recalled that for nearly 25 years, from 1999 to 2024, she stood almost alone as a woman editor, entrepreneur, and publisher in Nagaland, particularly through her stewardship of Nagaland Page.
Describing her journey as remarkable, he said her work had earned recognition across the country from diverse sections of society, literary circles and peers in journalism and poetry, both regionally and nationally. He also noted that she has been honoured with the Governor’s Award for her outstanding contribution to literature.
Reflecting on her role as an editor, Dr Khathing observed that for many readers, the editorial page is the most engaging part of a newspaper, offering insight into ideas, debates, and social realities. He said Monalisa Changkija not only shaped public thought through editorials but went beyond journalism by preserving her reflections and creative expressions in book form, ensuring that her thoughts are not lost with time.
While clarifying that her poetry is distinct from her editorials, he said her decision to document and publish her creative work is something he deeply admires.
Turning to her literary achievements, Dr Khathing said as an academician, he emphasized that her poetry has received serious scholarly recognition. He revealed that her poems are taught and referenced in undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Nagaland University and are used extensively for MA, MPhil, and PhD dissertations. He further pointed out that even school education boards have included her poems as textbook references, reflecting both the depth and quality of her writing.
Delving into the theme of the book, Dr Khathing reflected on the meaning of silence, describing it not merely as the absence of sound, but as a powerful medium that can sometimes speak louder than noise. He said the poems in “This Silence” invite readers to experience multiple emotions and interpretations.
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Drawing from his brief reading of the collection, he noted that many poems appear to question life, seek answers, and yet assert resilience when answers do not come. He interpreted the underlying voice as one that affirms identity, perseverance, and self-worth, regardless of external response or validation.
Dr Khathing observed that some poems in the collection are strikingly brief, sometimes only a sentence or a few lines, yet deeply connected to everyday life. Quoting one such line, “Just because I’m not an expert in singing doesn’t mean I’m not allowed to sing,” he said the poem powerfully asserts the right to self-expression, freedom, and dignity.
He expressed hope that “This Silence” would bring joy, provoke thought, and touch readers across generations. He particularly encouraged young people to draw inspiration from the book, to reflect on their own thoughts, and to find the courage to express and share them.
Congratulating Monalisa Changkija once again, he wished her continued success and thanked her for enriching literature and society through her words.
In her address, Monalisa Changkija said that quite a few of the poems in the book were written way back in the 1990s. She acknowledged with earnest gratitude the people who have put their hearts, minds and hands together to compile her scattered poems in a book form.
She acknowledged Beni Sumer Yanthan for serializing the poems according to their dates; J Nathan Yanlem, for hand-painting the cover in water colour and framing the original painting; Dr Visovono Elizabeth for read the manuscript and give an insightful feedback and Sudip Das of Royal Graphics for the printing works.
Changkija also expressed gratitude to a number of people, including the members of Wordsmithereens, the Nagaland Chapter of the North East Writers’ Forum.
The review of the book was read out by Dr Maongkhala, Assistant Professor, Dimapur Government College
