An initiative of the Writers Collective Kohima, in collaboration with the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA), “OPEN BOOK – Exploring the Wonders of Naga Stories” was inaugurated today at Badze Leshüki, Kohima. The event was graced by Theja Meru, Chairman of TaFMA, and renowned authors Avinuo Kire and Dr T Keditsu.

Author Vishü Rita Krocha, while welcoming the gathering to the first literary event outside the Nagaland Literary Festival—which the Writers Collective has been organizing for the past four years—shared that the idea for OPEN BOOK was conceived by the Writers Collective and proposed to TaFMA, who showed keen interest in partnering.

She expressed her gratitude to Theja Meru, Chairman of TaFMA, for making the event possible and acknowledged TaFMA for being open to new ideas and dreams, calling it an enabler that helped them pursue this initiative.

Embarking on this exciting venture, Krocha emphasized that the initiative aims to bring together both established and emerging writers, along with musicians, storytellers, and entrepreneurs, to share their work and collectively explore stories from Nagaland in various artistic forms. She also highlighted the collaboration with local entrepreneurs, such as Ete Coffee, and young entrepreneurs who set up stalls at the event, promoting and supporting one another in a spirit of community and creativity.

Krocha mentioned that the very name “OPEN BOOK” was conceived by Theja Meru, and it perfectly captures everything the Writers Collective envisioned for this exciting venture.

“Stories have been around for as long as human beings have existed. And I think all of us turn to stories to make sense of the world around us. In a world dominated by technology and social media all of our attention span is also very short and it’s easy to forget transformative power of books which essentially carry our stories,” she added.

Emphasizing the importance of stories, Krocha said that each one of us is a story. “We begin life with stories, and even in the end, we all become stories. Stories shape us — our thinking, our perspectives, the things we do, and the very way we live,” she added.

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Krocha also expressed her delight at the presence of two of Nagaland’s most celebrated and inspiring authors, Avinuo Kire and T Keditsu, who engaged in a brief yet insightful conversation at the event on the power of literature and its profound impact on people’s lives.

Theja Meru, Chairman of TaFMA, in his special address at the event, thanked Writers Collective Kohima for initiating a wonderful new chapter in Kohima and Nagaland’s literary journey. Meru shared that he enjoys the company of avid readers, which was one of the reasons he attended the event. He emphasized his long-held belief, one he often shares with young people, that “readers are leaders.” For those involved in the literary movement, he expressed confidence that the OPEN BOOK inaugural will bear fruit in the days to come.

With the launch of OPEN BOOK by the Writers Collective, Meru further shared that TaFMA already has the concept of “Open House” across all districts of Nagaland. He expressed hope that, in coordination with state and district partners, OPEN BOOK sister chapters would be established in all 17 districts of the state. He added that TaFMA remains committed to supporting and positively impacting the lives of young people, not just in Kohima, but in the farthest corners of Nagaland.

Earlier during the event, T Keditsu Poet, Educator & Member of Writers Collective Kohima was the chair person. Somirin Raikhan also presented a special number.

The event was chaired by Poet, Educator, and Writers Collective Member Dr. T. Keditsu, and also featured a special music performance by Somirin Raikhan.