‘The School of Bullies brings out reality of our childhood’

12-year-old Kuzo Kezo writes 75th publication of PenThrill

Morung Express News
Kohima | August 6

“We were all once children and we are not going to be children again anymore but when you read this book, you will go back to the past and think about how you grew up to be what you are today. I think honestly, I have bullied people, I think other people have bullied me but those days we didn’t know. We grew up with fear, insecurity yet we didn’t know how to express that.”

Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary, NBCC with Kuzo Kezo during the release of the book on August 5. (Morung Photo)

These are remarks given by Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) while addressing the formal launch of “The School of Bullies” written by 12-year-old Kuzo Kezo at Kindred, Secretariat Road, Kohima.  

Today, he said, “our son and our young author represented our story in a fictional way without offending anyone, bringing out the reality of our childhood, to enable us to be a better teacher, and most importantly, to be better parents, better brothers and better sisters, better aunties and better uncles.”

Stating that this is the need of the hour, he said “the book helps us to think beyond what is written and helps us to also help other people in the development of their personalities.”

“The presentation of the struggle that our children and school children are going through came out very strongly in the book” he stated while asserting that, “it is not just a fictional story to be read and to be kept aside, but it is to be read and to be applied.”

“A child has presented to the grownups like us today”, he added while also putting across that, “each of us can be a friend to the other person who is struggling and having a difficult time.” He further stated hope that schools would make it mandatory for teachers to read this book while reiterating that “this is for parents and teachers to read.” To the young author, he further added, “Thank you for giving us a beautiful gift to have it in our hands and also to help our society in building up a better society.”

‘I couldn’t bear to think about myself as they called me many names’
In his author’s note, 12-year-old Kuzo Kezo said the book is purely from his imagination and none of it is related to his experience. However, he also stated that, “But I had also experienced bullying in my classroom” while expressing that “some people bully others thinking it was fun to do. Bullies have the feeling to hate a particular person for little reasons, and some of them just bully a person with no reason at all because they want to show how great they are.”

“I couldn’t bear to think about myself as they called me many names. I felt hurt, sad, angry and felt that I should never exist”, he expressed. “But I am grateful to Madam Nini of Northfield, who used to talk to me and my bullies to help us become friends,” he further said while adding that, “My class 6 teacher, Miss Yangerla also helped me deal with my bullies and stopped them from bullying me.”

“I also want to thank my friend Donen for always being there and my other good friend, Moangyapang for always encouraging me and told me to get my eyes somewhere else instead of those bullies. All my friends and teachers have changed my life”, he put across.

Further quoting from the Bible, he also said that, “we all have to learn ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ and ‘love your enemies and pray for them’ as well, and in Jesus, may we live in peace and unity.”

Giving a preview of the book, Dr Rükulü Puro, Asst. Professor, Capital College Kohima, Department of English & Chief Instructor, CUE Academy, Centre of Writing Skills remarked that “The School of Bullies is an impressive short fiction written by a very talented 12-year-old author.” Highlighting that the story takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the world of Kajü, a young boy who is excited to start in a new school, she said, “the narrative skillfully weaves element of excitement, mystery and friendship through a captivating tale, showcasing the themes of redemption and second chances.”

“This captivating tale is a testimony of limitless possibility that lies ahead for this budding literary talent,” she added.

In her publisher’s note, Vishü Rita Krocha said that Kuzo Kezo’s debut book— “The School of Bullies”, which also marks the 75th publication of PenThrill addresses the very important issue of bullying which is a childhood reality for many children across the state. Stating the need for this issue to be addressed, she also stated that bullying can have devastating impacts not only on the academic aspect of a child but also negatively impact his/her physical and mental wellbeing. “It is my hope that the book will also serve as an eye-opener and enable us to become more sensitive to the needs of our children, who deserve to learn and grow in a safe and healthy environment”, she further added.

Highlights of the event included special presentation by Lulu Theluo and vote of thanks by the author’s mother, Vedüzolü Kezo while Jodovelü Shijoh, Assistant Superintendent, Children Ministry, CBCK chaired the programme.