The two-day Nagaland Literature Festival began on December 3 at the Capital Convention Centre on New Secretariat Road in Kohima, centered around the theme “Writing Nagaland.”
The festival kicked off with the launch of the special edition of the Assamese Magazine- Swadesh Potobhumi, produced in collaboration with the Kohima Sahitya Sabha. Charles Chasie, an independent journalist and researcher, presided as the Chief Guest and revealed the special issue of Swadesh Photobhumi. In his remarks, Chasie underscored the enduring connection between the people of Nagaland and Assam, highlighting the consistent kindness shown by the Assamese community towards the Nagas, culminating in a steadfast friendship.
“Despite our differences, the enduring friendship between our people has withstood the test of time, a precious bond for us,” marked Chasie.
He went on to share a firsthand experience that exemplified this remarkable friendship, where recounted a crucial moment when the Naga people confronted a situation that could have easily escalated into an existential issue. Specifically, he recalled the extraordinary support and friendship extended by the Assamese people during the ceasefire agreement, emphasizing their widespread and generous assistance from individuals across diverse backgrounds. This act is indicative of the compassionate nature of Assamese society, said Chasie.
Representing the Writers Collective, Vishü Rita Krocha, in her welcoming address, conveyed that time is both fleeting and timeless. “It seemed like just yesterday when the inaugural edition of the Nagaland Literature Festival took place under the theme ‘Through the Looking Glass: Traversing the Past, Present and Future,’ symbolizing Naga literature as a reflective portrayal of the combined Naga journey spanning past, present, and future aspirations. Then came the second edition of the Nagaland literature festival— ‘What Lies Ahead’, to anticipate the new writings that are emerging from Nagaland even as they set new standards of literary excellence,” said Krocha. The third edition of the Nagaland Literature Festival to be held under the theme, “Writing Nagaland”, highlights Krocha, celebrates diverse voices and writings that are essentially Naga and also celebrating great writing and big ideas in the beautiful state of Nagaland.
Through all these editions, the overall primary objective of the Nagaland Literature Festival is to promote and celebrate literature and to further create awareness upon how stories and narratives have shaped the ever evolving Naga society.
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She highlighted that this festival started in 2019 with a group of like minded writers- Vishü Rita Krocha, Avinuo Kire, Agnes Tepa and Adenuo Shirat Luikham called ‘Writers Collective Kohima’. For the love of the written word, the Writers Collective came together with the shared vision of promoting literature from the State. The circle later expanded to eight members with an additional four members- Emisenla Jamir, Vizovono Elizabeth, Theyiesinuo Keditsu and Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o.
“All of us were equally driven by books and writing. It is time for us to narrate the Naga story in accessible manner and this festival is a great leap in that direction,” remarked Krocha.
Guest of Honor, Dr. Samudra Gupta Kashyap, the Chancellor of Nagaland University, in his speech shared his aspiration to launch comprehensive youth exchange programs among universities throughout the Northeast, including those in Nagaland.
