“Where the light finds us”: a collection of short stories written by Naga writer Vishü Rita Krocha , and a Centennial publication of PenThrill was launched on March 14 at the Centre of Excellence of Music and Arts(CEMA) Minister’s Hill Kohima.
The 6th book of the author, ’Where the light finds us’ was released by Special Guest Yirmiyan Arthur Yhome, Asia Pacific Deputy News Director, Associated Press and founder of the Book’Home library in Kohima. In her speech, Yhome emphasized that consistency is essential for achieving dreams, citing Rita as an example of success with her publication of 100 books. She expressed gratitude to Rita for providing an avenue for others Nagas to publish their work, benefiting society at large.
Yhome highlighted the remarkable support Rita receives from her family, which is evident in her writings about family and social life. She considered Rita’s determination as inspiring, applauding the Writer and Publisher for successfully publishing 100 books which includes 6 of her own.
The need for cultural reading In our society which is crucial was also stressed by the Special Guest where she expressed hope that the gathering can carry the light within them and keep moving forward.
“All seven stories in this collection are rooted in true events, though some parts are fictionalized. This book is a reflection of our people’s diverse tales across generations, shedding light on lived and imagined experiences. Some stories were previously published by PenThrill, Zubaan, Sahitya Akademi, and Routledge, but the book also features new stories like “All the Broken Things,” which explores thoughts and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic when it felt like the world had stopped,” shared Author Vishü Rita Krocha.
Additionally, she noted that she never imagined that within that time frame, PenThrill would publish works from over 100 authors, primarily from Nagaland, as well as from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, in both English and in the Tenyidie and Sumi languages.
“In celebrating the 100th publication, PenThrill honor the diverse voices and stories of our people in literature, offering readers both here and beyond a deeper understanding of Naga life, and illuminating the richness of our culture and traditions—strength, love, and resilience. We take pride in the narratives published by PenThrill in book form, as these stories are sure to challenge, inspire, and resonate across generations,” stated Krocha.
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She emphasized that reading and writing are essential pillars of communication in any society, and to truly progress, one must foster a generation of readers and writers. “It is rare to have the chance to give back to the land we call home,” said Krocha who expressed immense pride in the authors PenThrill has published. Krocha also thanked her family, friends and loved ones for supporting her dream.
Sharing her remarks on the book, Poet and Writer Agnes Tepa said, “We live in a broken world and we are all broken people. I still hear people speak of the generations of young people in the 80s and 90s who were devastated by drug abuse. Rita’s book, ‘Where the Light Finds Us’, opens by vividly portraying these harsh realities, evoking feelings of regret, pain, and compassion for such brokenness.
Tepa also expressed, “Brokenness often demands a lifetime of healing. Many from Generation X and the Millennial generation have experienced or glimpsed the kind of struggles depicted in the story ‘Glimmer of Hope’”.
She also mentioned that the book takes an unexpected turn, transporting readers to the not-so-distant past—a time when the entire world came to a standstill, and the unimaginable unfolded. “It not only serves as a reminder of what has been but also offers a stark warning for what could lie ahead in the future,” added Tepa.
Youth Director , Chakhesang Baptist Church Ministers Hill Kohima (CBCMHK) Rakodu Nukhu pronounced the dedicatory prayer following which the book was officially released while Mhale J Krocha presented a special number.
