The inaugural function of Book Exhibition & Sale, sponsored by the Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata was held with Advisor, NRE, IT&C and Science & Technology, Mmhonlumo Kikon as the special guest at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Art & Culture, Kohima on 27th April, 2022.
Kikon applauded the Department and the sponsor for organizing the book exhibition and sale and said it will promote reading culture, sale and publications by local authors. He said he has been observing the approach of writing history and retelling of stories and the transition from oral traditions to written form and he has seen many transformations in the publishing and writing local books. He said that it is important to promote their works through word of mouth, social media etc. He urged the gathering to be good ambassadors in promoting local books. He emphasized that more literary fest should be organized in our state and that one should be timid or shy in showcasing our thoughts and inputs during such events and platform. The Advisor said many people have come to know about Nagaland as a State through authors and various books and they are keen to visit Nagaland after reading books about the State.
‘Archaeology of Mimi Caves’, a publication by the Department of Art & Culture, was also released by Kikon during the programme. The book Archaeology of Mimi Caves, Kiphire District, (Vol-1) was edited by archeologists Prof. Tiatoshi Jamir, Department of History & Archeology NU and Dr. David Tetso, Department of Anthropology, Kohima Science College (Autonomous). The book brings the fore the first investigations on cave archeology in Northeast, India. Kikon while releasing the publication said that such publications will connect us with the archeological mysteries of our culture.
Secretary, Art & Culture, Athel O. Lotha, IAS impressed upon the gathering that the Book Exhibition and Sale is an initiative taken by the Department of Art & Culture to promote local authors and publishers of the State and the event is sponsored by the Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata. Various books relating to Naga folktales, Naga history, children literature and research publications were exhibited and sold during the two day event.
A folk song was performed by the 'Angan Konyak Khong' which was followed by poetry reading by Dr. Theyiesinuo Keditsu, Assistant Professor, Kohima College. Rita Krocha, from the Penthrill Publication House, Kohima spoke about the experiences of publishing in Nagaland.
Director, Art & Culture, Adela Moa delivered the vote of thanks.
(Tiakumla, IA)
