Dr Darlando Khathing, Pro-Chancellor, NECU and Monalisa Changkija during the release of “This Silence” held in Dimapur on January 14.
Dimapur, January 14 (MExN): The third volume of poems, “This Silence”, by renowned poet and veteran journalist, Monalisa Changkija was released at her residence on January 14.
The book was released by Dr Darlando Khathing, Pro-Chancellor of North East Christian University, at a function at the poet’s residence in Dimapur.
In his address, Dr Khathing lauded Changkija for her contribution to journalism and literature. He also noted that from 1999 to 2024, a span of nearly 25 years, Changkija was likely the only woman in Nagaland to serve as editor, entrepreneur and publisher, guiding the ‘Nagaland Page’ with excellence. Her work, he added, has been widely recognised across generations and by institutions at both the regional and national levels, including receiving the Governor’s Award for her outstanding contribution to literature. Dr Khathing described the release of the book as “a great honour” and a moment of deep literary significance.
He said her literary work ensures her reflections are not lost to time and remain for future generations.
Dr Khathing observed that while many readers turn to editorial pages to understand the ideas and perspectives of their time, Changkija has moved beyond the ephemeral nature of newspapers by preserving her thoughts in books. Though distinct from her editorials, her literary works ensure that her reflections endure, remaining accessible to future generations, he added.
Dr Khathing highlighted the academic relevance of Changkija’s poetry, mentioning that her poems are used in courses at Nagaland University and have been referenced in several dissertations. He also said her work features in school textbooks.
Speaking about the new collection, Dr Khathing reflected on the thematic richness of ‘This Silence.’ He observed that silence, though often perceived as an absence of sound, can be profoundly expressive in poetry, sometimes even louder than noise. The volume, he noted, brings together poems written over decades, offering readers a range of emotions, questions and reflections drawn from lived experience.
In her address, Changkija thanked the team that helped compile the collection, noting that some poems dated back to the 1990s.
She acknowledged Beni Sumer Yanthan for serialising the poems, J Nathan Yanlem for the hand-painted cover and framing the original painting, Dr Visovono Elizabeth for her feedback on the manuscript, and Sudip Das of Royal Graphics for printing works. She also mentioned the members of Wordsmithereens, the Nagaland Chapter of the North East Writers’ Forum among others.
A review of the book was read out by Dr Maongkhala, Assistant Professor at Dimapur Government College.
