Dr Kekhrie Yhome, Advisor to School Education seen with the publishers and authors, whose books were released during the inaugural of the 6th edition of Nagaland Literature Festival at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School Kohima on October 30.
Morung Express News
Kohima | October 30
Exploring the profound transition of Naga heritage-from oral storytelling passed down around the traditional kitchen hearth to contemporary written, published and digital forms, the 6th Edition of Nagaland Literature Festival began here today at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Kohima under the theme “From Hearth to Page.”
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Kekhrie Yhome, Advisor to School Education spoke about myths and folklore from the past, which were important vehicles for transmitting moral values, cultural identity and collective experiences across generations.
He also drew parallels with Greek and Roman mythology while citing literary and philosophical thinkers, and highlighted that stories were constantly created, retold and reinterpreted. He underscored the important role that writers have to play in challenging stereotypes, and presenting the diverse identities and experiences of the Northeast while citing the numerous troubles that the region is facing in respect of having too many identities, ethnic clashes or fragile borderlands. He also impressed upon that writing is not just necessarily a task but a responsibility towards placing orderliness.
In her opening remarks, President of Writers Collective, Vishü Rita Krocha recalled the journey of the Nagaland Literature Festival that has seen five successful past editions and also spoke about the group that initially started with 4 members and has now grown to a team of eleven members.
At the Nagaland Literature Festival, she asserted that, “we believe in the power of words, and storytelling; and we endeavour to promote literature from the state of Nagaland in the best of our ability, keeping at the heart of it, homegrown storytellers, whose voices matter in our search for self-discovery.”
She also highlighted that the 6th edition is 'very special' while divulging the inaugural round of NLF Prizes for Poetry, Short Story and Essay for which over 80 entries were received. The winners, she informed would be declared at the closing ceremony on October 31.
Underlining that any government has a responsibility to invest in its young people, she called upon the state government to particularly invest in their arts and literary development. “We should not have to struggle too much to organise something like this, for the betterment of the society as a whole”, she said.
The inaugural of the Nagaland Literature Festival also saw the release of four books, namely, Maria written by Visemenuo, Aigha Le and The Tragopan's Song, written by Inakali Assumi, which were all published by PenThrill Publication House and Faithful Ink written by Avila Mongzar and published by Heritage Publishing House.
Highlights of the event included invocation by Rev. Fr. Dr. Xavier Mattam, SDB, Rector of Don Bosco Kohima, poetry recitation by Müile Samuel Anar, Winner of 2025 NLF Performance Act, and folk song by Guru Veswuzo Phesao while Vizovono Elizabeth, General Secretary of Writers Collective chaired the programme.
Dr. Kekhrie Yhome also formally declared the Nagaland Literature Festival Fair 2026 and Exhibition open by cutting the ribbon. An exhibition is also being showcased at the festival featuring the artworks of two young design artists, Dzeveu Doulo and Eliniu Elah.
Mention may be made here that the 6th edition of Nagaland Literature Festival is supported by the Department of Tourism, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, and Department of Women Resource Development. Local publishers including PenThrill, Barkweaver, Heritage, Woods Publishers, and 6th Finger Publishers are participating in the festival besides Scholastic India, and other local businesses namely ilandlo, D/Cafe, Honky Tonk, Quick Bites, Teamate, Tu_s_hobby, Abelia Casket, Little Niceties, The Story Keeper and Khüzü.
