‘Chutu Manu’ explores identity, politics, tribalism and Naga society

Chümoukedima, September 13 (MExN): The book Chutu Manu by Jesse Thonger, published by Heritage Publishing House, was released by special guest Viketuno Rio at The White Owl, Chümoukedima, on September 12.

Speaking at the launch, Rio said that at 24, Thonger had already accomplished something worth celebrating by choosing to engage seriously with the world around him through writing.

She said young people who pause, question and thoughtfully speak about the society they are part of have the potential to shape their times rather than merely observe them.

Rio said Thonger's decision to give voice to his considered reflections made him an inspiration to his peers and his generation.

She expressed hope that Chutu Manu would not simply be read but discussed among friends, young people, classrooms and the wider community. She said a valuable role of a book was not to tell people what to think but to encourage them to think.

Reviewing the book, Vinolen John said Chutu Manu delved into the roots of problems faced by society, including identity, history, politics, tribalism, corruption, injustice and the realities of life.

He described Thonger's writing as a blend of conversational prose and stream-of-consciousness style, saying the author wrote about things he loved, things that troubled him, issues he wished to change and questions that lingered in his mind.

John said the writing sought to give shape to Thonger's thoughts and voice to his convictions while attempting to make sense of the world around him.

Explaining the title, Chutu Manu, which translates to "small man", John said the author chose to speak from the vantage point of the ordinary person in a society that often celebrates influence, stature, wealth and power.

In his author's note, Thonger said the title reflected his acknowledgement that he still had much to learn. He described himself as a Chutu Manu because of his desire to remain curious, willing to learn and humble enough to say "I don't know", which he said was necessary for learning.

Thonger also said the title represented his effort to give voice to a section of society that comes from a community labelled "backward" and to people who, due to circumstances, had not received the same opportunities as others.

He said the book sought to highlight Nagaland's diversity and the different realities of Nagas who collectively call the state home.

Describing the book as "A Critique on Everything Naga", Thonger said it questions aspects of Naga society and addresses issues including Eastern Nagaland politics, corruption, unemployment, communalism, identity and problems inherited from previous generations.

In her concluding remarks, chairperson Bobita Rai said a writer writes alone but a book is not meant to live alone.

She said Chutu Manu had begun its journey from the launch venue to different parts of the world and expressed hope that it would find readers who would not only read it but also seek to bring positive changes to the culture of society.