From fairy-hunting to a life of responsibilities

January 16, 2024 9 Views No Comment

Sixteen year-old’s poetry compilation released

Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 16

“I think my book will transport you to your fondest childhood memory or a phase of confusion or may be even gloomy occurrence,” was how 16 year-old Imlijungla Aier summed up her collection of poems, which was released in book form on January 15.

The compilation, titled— The Play, is the latest offering from the Kohima-based PenThrill Publication House penned by Aier, who goes by the nom de plume Alina Aier. It was launched at a programme in the Livingstone Foundation International (LFI) premises by Dr Andrew Ahoto, Chairman of the CBSE- affiliated school where the sprightly 16 year-old is a student.

Imlijungla Aier signing her book— The Play, a compilation of poems, published by PenThrill Publication House, which was released at the Livingstone Foundation International, Dimapur, on January 15. Morung Photo)

According to Aier, the compilation was the outcome of poems she occasionally scribbled in her diary. While stating that her scribbles morphing into a book never occurred to her, she credited Ani Yepthomi, Director of LFI for egging her on to compile it into a book. “She (Yepthomi) was not only a huge part of my journey as an author but also the first person to initiate this project,” she said.

She credited her mother, her first story teller, for introducing her to literature.

She described her poems as a chronicle of her transition from “fairy hunting days to teenage life filled with responsibilities and obligations.” “Despite its childish themes and dramatic poems, hope reading my book will be an enjoyable experience for all of you. And may my writings help you appreciate the past experiences and help you realize that it really is okay being the only periwinkle in a rose garden,” she said.

Another of her mentors, Dr Arenla T Ao, who is an assistant professor at Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung, said that it takes courage to be creative and Aier “courageously put across her feelings and emotions for us to read like a window to her heart.”

From belting Adele’s songs at the age of 4 to ecstatically receiving books as gifts at 9-10 years of age, Dr Arenla said of Aier, “She’s always loved stories. Be it listening to it or reading them and when she ran out of them, she created her own.” She further urged students to inculcate reading as a habit as “reading opens windows to many.”

The publisher of PenThrill, Vishü Rita Krocha, lauded the parents’ and Yepthomi for supporting and enabling Aier. “What impressed me was how she seemed to have effortlessly constructed these beautiful poems in the collection, and that too, at such a young age,” said Krocha, further underscoring the importance of guiding young people in the right manner “for them to also realise their dreams and hidden potentials.”

While expressing confidence that Aier will continue penning her beautiful thoughts, Krocha sought the support for the literary community of Nagaland.