Hikano H Awomi hailing from Tokiye Town (Khetoi), Zunheboto district started his early schooling in his hometown and completed higher secondary from Zunheboto. Awomi then pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree from Japfü Christian College in the year 2020.

Sharing about his first book Trophies and Survival in an exclusive interview with Nagaland Tribune, Awomi said though it was a work of fiction he wished to highlight the rich traditions, culture and practices of the Naga people.

Awomi shared that it took him one and a half years to complete the book.

“I didn’t even consider showing it to anyone. I was writing because of the freedom I got out of it. But somehow, I reluctantly gathered the courage and showed it to a friend and thus was able to send the manuscript to the publisher,” the author shared.

The book, published by Heritage Publishing House and released on 21 May this year, has garnered much love from readers.

As a beginner in the field of writing, Awomi said the whole process of publishing and marketing were difficult tasks for him. “The moment I enjoyed the most was holding a complete printed book for the first time,” he shared.

Providing a synopsis of the book, Awomi shared that the story begins with a young boy named Lipumu who helplessly witnessed his father being killed by an enemy and vowed to exact revenge when he grew up. The novel follows Lipumu’s journey of being raised by his poor mother and of the many hardships they endure together. Nevertheless, Lipumu is strengthened and shaped by these experiences and eventually becomes a successful warrior who is endowed with wealth by the spirits. The narrative takes the readers back in time to the headhunting era and unveils the way of life at that time.

The authored shared that the inspiration for most part of his book came from everything he had seen and heard over the years from his community.

What makes him different from other writers of today? Awomi replied that his book offers a glimpse into a way of life similar to that of his ancestors which he believed made his book unique. Books that are difficult to understand and where the readers have to frequently consult dictionaries disrupt the interest in and connection with the book, he said, which is why he tries to write as simply as possible.

On being asked how he began writing, Awomi recalled how one of his high school teachers made them maintain a diary and each entry started with “Dear diary”. In college, he was reintroduced to the practice of maintaining a diary. This not only piqued his curiosity but also led him to discover the art of writing as a thrilling experience.

This helped the young author develop his skill in writing.

Lamenting the fact that not many people are aware of books written by local authors, the author shared his hopes of more books being published and that more people would develop the habit of reading Naga literature.

“Mari by Easterine Kire was the first novel I ever read,” Awomi said, adding that the author has “made a lasting influence on me.”

Juggling multiple responsibilities, Awomi sets aside time at night to write and do other related work but said he is grateful to God for the determination to keep on going forward.

In the next five years, the young writer said he wished to be far ahead of where he is at present, with a lot more books released and to have become a successful author.

To upcoming writers, Awomi gives a word of encouragement: “Just don’t stop, keep on writing and enjoy the process.”