Pushing Boundaries by Aküm Longchari is now available, its publisher, PenThrill Publication House, has announced. The book, written over a span of almost fifteen years, is a collection of ideas exploring the need for Nagas to retrieve their integrity and dignity and features creative illustrations by Arien and Sandemo Ngullie, it informed.

In his foreword to the Pushing Boundaries, noted peace activist, Niketu Iralu observed that “the newspapers in Nagaland have played a vital part in keeping our society breathing” while lauding its consistent effort. He also remarked that, “our fragile society is watching and experiencing the emergence of a free press”. In the meantime, he underscored that, “the peoples’ understanding is important and their responsibility to keep it free and fighting for justice, equality before the law, and so on.”

Stating that “it is an inspiring reflection of what our society can do if we are committed to a vision with clarity, conviction and dedication”, he also maintained that English dailies have enabled Nagas to ‘speak truth to power’ – to both ‘over ground’ and ‘underground.’

He further commented that Pushing Boundaries is an excellent collection of selected editorials. “As the reader thumbs through the pages of the book, the author’s intellectual grasp of the subjects he is dealing with and the depth of his commitment become evident. The content touches on a wide range of topics from indigenous people to self-determination, gender equality, justice, peace, demilitarization, human rights and human security”, he highlighted.

In the introduction to the book, Aküm Longchari expressed, “The Writer and the Artists invite you to dream dreams, and to be moved to action by wrestling with the challenges and embracing the opportunities it presents in creating a truly harmonious, just and peaceful life together.” Calling upon fellow-travellers to join them in reflecting on some of the critical issues that continue to define the individual and collective futures of the people of Naga-Land, he stated that, “They are as relevant today as when they were written.”

He further exuded “hope that a new understanding will move us to get involved and act together, inspiring the public to participate while constantly connecting the Naga worldview with a vision of a shared humanity.”

Aküm Longchari (PhD) is the author of Self Determination –A Resource for JustPeace, Heritage Publishing House, Dimapur, Nagaland, 2016. He is an activist, trainer and educator in the areas of human rights, self-determination, reconciliation and JustPeace. Currently, he is the Publisher of The Morung Express and a consultant on Peace Education. Since 1994, he has been involved in people’s movements in the areas of human rights, justice, peace, and reconciliation.

The artist, Sandemo Ngullie is a recipient of several awards including the Governor’s Award for Achievement and Contribution in the Field of Art in 2017. Later, in the same year, he also received the 1st Nagaland Red Carpet Award for his contributions in the Field of Art while his other experiences include being the editorial cartoonist for the Nagaland Post, and an editorial cartoonist cum illustrator for The Morung Express.

The other artist, Arien, is an independent illustrator and an advocate by profession, is passionate about storytelling, community building and social development. He was also a cartoonist for a Nagaland based English newspaper.

Pushing Boundaries is PenThrill’s 94th publication.