Watsü Mungdang conference begins with call for cultural revival via literature

April 11, 2025 10 Views No Comment

23rd General Conference of apex Ao women’s organisation underway in Mokokchung

Morung Express News
Mokokchung | April 11

Ao women were exhorted to reclaim their place in literature and become torchbearers of a cultural revival on the inaugural day of the 23rd General Conference of Watsü Mungdang, the apex Ao women’s organisation, on Thursday.

The triennial conference is being held under the theme “Yakpangsür” (Forerunners).

Sharing on the topic “Kenozülu nung Yakpangsür” (Forerunners in Literature), Dr Lanurenla, Principal of Sao Chang College (SCC), Tuensang, emphasised the transformative power of literature, terming it an important tool with the “ability to shake and change the world.”

SCC Principal Dr Lanurenla addresses the conference. (Morung Photo)

She highlighted how women in history were denied opportunities to write freely, with many often writing under male pseudonyms to have their voices heard—even in the most progressive societies.

Encouraging Ao women to rise above such barriers, Dr Lanurenla urged them to take up literature in all its forms—be it poetry, biography, drama, fiction, novels, critical essays, or historical writings.

“All of us are capable of writing literature,” she said. “Some may be good in poetry, some in novels, and some in history. Let us use our talents and interests to become contributors to our language and culture.”

Dr Lanurenla invoked the legacy of Enheduanna, daughter of Sargon of Akkad, who is considered the first recorded author in world history. “The first writer in recorded history was a woman,” she maintained, “so let us not hesitate—literature has always had women at its forefront.”

She also celebrated the legacy of the late Padmashri Temsüla Ao, a pioneer of English literature from Nagaland despite immense personal hardships.

“She walked barefoot to school and lost both parents early in life, but went on to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Shri,” Dr Lanurenla recalled. “She paved the way, and many Ao women are now following in her footsteps.”

Touching upon the state of Ao literature, the SCC Principal noted that although the Ao language is often described as an identity marker, women’s participation in literary authorship remains starkly low.

To illustrate, she cited a 2021 Sahitya Akademi compilation of Ao literary works, revealing that none of the 11 fiction, 17 poetry, and 42 folklore books compiled had women authors, while only one of four drama/skit books was written by a woman.

Out of 33 biographies, only three had female authors, while just one of the four women’s narrative books was published by Watsü Mungdang, she added.

In the category of Christian literature, only 3 out of 87 books were authored by women. Among 25 general non-fiction, historical, or political books, just three had female authors.

Out of 33 textbooks, only four women contributed to their publication, and none of the eight translated books were produced by women, she added.

Notably, Dr Lanurenla underscored that the majority of Ao authors are over the age of 50, signalling a lack of youth engagement in writing.

“To preserve and uplift our mother tongue, we need women—and especially young people—to actively contribute to Ao literature,” she said.

Proposing concrete steps forward, Dr Lanurenla called for the organisation of literary workshops, conferences, and competitions to nurture new writers.

She stressed that literature can form the foundation of a larger cultural revival. “If literature is given focus, 80% of our cultural revival will be taken care of,” she asserted.

Reflecting on the influence of colonialism and Christian education, she acknowledged the positive changes but cautioned against abandoning indigenous values.

“In giving preference to Western culture, we are facing an identity crisis today,” the educator said. “While Western values may be theirs, no one can take away our traditions, customs, and literature.”

She concluded by urging Ao women to be bold and courageous, to offer their time and talents in service of their language and heritage, and to be the forerunners of a cultural awakening—with faith as their foundation.

In an exhortation, Ao Students’ Conference President Lanutoshi Aier lauded women’s growing achievements across sectors, from entrepreneurship to education.

He credited this to their work ethic and dignity of labour, noting that women now outnumber men in many job sectors and outperform in competitive examinations.

Aier also urged women, particularly mothers, to encourage young men to value dignity of labour and advocated for greater women’s participation in policymaking roles driven by patriotism and community responsibility.

Over 800 delegates from 24 town units and six ranges of Ao territory are attending the conference concluding April 11.