‘The Naga Story is all about our identity and the quest to keep it alive’

May 12, 2024 16 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | May 12

“We are made to confront that the Naga story is not just about protecting our lives and the borders but rather deeply entrenched at the core is all about our identity—who we are and the right we have to keep this quest for identity alive,” asserted Dr Alongla Aier, Emeritus Professor of English and Communication, Oriental Theological Seminary, Dimapur.

She was addressing the launch of PenThrill’s 87th publication, “A Naga Odyssey” written by Visier Meyasetsu Sanyü with Richard Broome on Saturday (May 11) at Rivenburgs Memorial Hall, Baptist College, Kohima.

In the book, as one reads on, she said, “the reader is drawn into this gripping Naga story of struggle for survival” while terming the book as a “powerful personal story.” Citing instances from the book, she expressed, “imagine the 1950s, hiding in the jungle and being fearful that they would be found anytime.” Emerging from it with tattered clothes, she said “the onward journey from that time onwards is phenomenal.”

‘A Naga Odyssey’ written by Visier Meyasetsu Sanyü with Richard Broome and published by PenThrill Publication House.

Visier Meyasetsu Sanyü, the author underscored that, “this is not just my story but your story; it is not just my odyssey but your odyssey.” Highlighting that this Naga voyage has not been easy, he emphasised that, “it has travelled through troubled waters” but in spite of all the challenges and difficulties, he stated that, “our titanic has not sank.”

However, he also cautioned that, “If we continue to sleep like this, we will hit something that we cannot return from and we will sink together.”

“A Naga Odyssey- Visier’s long way home” tracks Visier’s fascinating journey from indigenous religion to Christianity, from village school to a professorship, and from small town life to appearances before the United Nations. His kaleidoscopic sixty-year odyssey to find peace, tranquillity, and forgiveness for others, is vividly told against the rich tapestry of the Naga quest to be free.

In her publisher’s note, Vishü Rita Krocha impressed upon that, “A Naga Odyssey” also plays a crucial role in the history writing of the Nagas as it provides first-hand accounts of somebody who has lived experiences of a time that many of us haven’t seen or lived in.”

For the younger generation that has been robbed of its history since most of our history is unwritten, having come from the oral tradition of literature, she underscored that, “this book should connect them to their past and roots and must definitely be passed on.” “This is such an important book that talks about the indelible history of Nagaland, touching upon various aspects of the Naga life,” she added.

It may be noted that this is the second edition of the book. The memoir was first published by the Monash University Publishing in Australia.

Mention may be made here that Visier Meyasetsu Sanyü is an Elder of the Meyasetsu clan of the Angami tribe, Khonoma, Nagaland. He has a Bachelor of Theology, Whitley College, University of Divinity a PhD in History, and was the inaugural Head of the Department of History and Archaeology at the University of Nagaland. He has addressed many forums across the world, including the United Nations. He is a member of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Adviser to Naga Global Forum, President of Peace Initiatives in North-east India (PINE) and formerly International Elder of Initiatives of Change headquartered in Caux, Switzerland.

Richard Broome AM is Emeritus Professor of History at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, and the author of twenty books, including three on Indigenous Australians, notably Aboriginal Australians 5th edition (2019). He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities, a Fellow and president of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, Melbourne, and life member of the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria. Highlights of the event included prayer by Dr Kewe Lohe, Interim Principal, Baptist College, Kohima while Pari Sanyü chaired the programme.