Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chairman of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha, has called for renewed efforts to promote reading and writing among the younger generation and ensure that Naga stories, history and cultural heritage are documented and shared in their own voices.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the two-day Nagaland Literature Festival 2026, held on the theme “From Hearth to Page” at the auditorium of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School (DBHSS), Kohima, on October 31.
Metha called on educational institutions, literary bodies, clubs and organisations to better understand the challenges confronting young people and develop innovative approaches to make reading and writing more engaging.
He noted that while the value of reading and writing was well understood, simply acknowledging their importance was not enough. He said fresh ideas and effective strategies were necessary to make literature more engaging for young people and inspire them to become active readers and writers. He added that the writings of the younger generation would play a vital role in preserving the stories, history and legacy of the people for generations to come.
Metha also highlighted the inseparable connection between language and literature, stating that the disappearance of a language would result in the loss of an entire history, tradition and cultural heritage. While recognising English as an important medium for communicating with the wider world, he stressed that indigenous languages must be equally valued and preserved as they represented one’s identity and inner voice.
On the importance of storytelling, he remarked that every story mattered, regardless of how small it might seem, and that every village, community and tribe had stories that deserved to be heard beyond their own boundaries. He pointed out that the Naga people had, for generations, been written about and represented by others, with their experiences sometimes misrepresented. From the colonial era through decades of conflict, struggle and suffering, much of the Naga narrative had been told from the standpoint of outsiders.
Against this backdrop, he urged the people to reclaim their narratives and document their experiences in their own voices, saying that only authentic accounts could help the world gain a better understanding of the Naga people and their journey.
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He further called on writers, authors and local publishing houses to make use of contemporary platforms, particularly social media, to share Naga stories, books, songs and cultural experiences with a wider international audience. He stressed that the struggles and aspirations of the Naga people over the decades should find expression through poetry, books, literature, films and documentaries so that the international community could understand their history and experiences.
Referring to the contributions of earlier generations, Metha said the foundations they had established should not be overlooked. He encouraged the present generation to learn from the past, draw inspiration from the experiences of their predecessors and adapt to changing times by using modern platforms to carry their stories forward.
He also observed that storytelling was woven into everyday life, pointing out that even an ordinary activity such as selling a bottle of honey had a story behind it.
Urging young people to recognise the storytelling potential in every opportunity, Metha expressed appreciation to writers, authors and others contributing to the literary movement. He acknowledged that their efforts to document and share Naga stories continued despite limited recognition, financial challenges and inadequate support.
He encouraged writers to take pride and find satisfaction in their work, observing that although people eventually pass away, the stories they leave behind continue to exist and inspire generations. He described this lasting contribution as the distinctive legacy of writers and storytellers in society.
In his concluding remarks, Metha said that through literature, art and other creative expressions, stories that might otherwise fade into oblivion could reach international audiences and inspire generations yet to come. He encouraged the people to dream beyond limitations, continue sharing their stories and remain confident that nothing was impossible.
The closing ceremony was chaired by Rita Krocha, while Vizovonoe Elizabeth proposed the vote of thanks.
The winners of the Nagaland Literature Festival 2026 competitions were:
NLF Short Story Prize: Amenla I Chang for “Apang”.
NLF Poetry Prize: Temjenwapang for “I Taste My Ashes”.
NLF Essay Prize: Atino Yeptho for “Hearth to Page”.
