‘Wild Sunflowers’- a collection of poems released

Author Renthunglo Tungoe (center) along with Publisher Vishü Rita Krocha and Dr. Jungmayangla Longkumer during the release of the book on November 29. (Morung Photo)

Morung Express News

Kohima | November 29 

“Wild Sunflowers"- a collection of poems written by Renthunglo Tungoe was released on November 29 by Dr. Jungmayangla Longkumer, Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension, SASRD Medziphema, Nagaland University at The Heritage, Kohima. Published by PenThrill, "Wild Sunflowers" is the 26th publication for PenThrill which recently marked its sixth year. 

Growing up under canopies of sunflowers, author Renthunglo Tungoe, who is an agriculturist by profession, reminisced that 'the flower brings back strong memories of her childhood' besides its significance in agriculture. In the context of her poems that strongly speak about women and farming, she said, “women take part in agriculture but are somehow always in the background.”

One of her poems titled “Bamboo Song”, she highlighted, is her way of documenting how women especially of her own Lotha community work in the fields. “I have tried to write about my point of view about society in the hope that maybe we can connect with each other and that our stories may be similar.” Putting across that her love for words, reading and writing started back in school, where they had access to a great library, she emphasized that every school should have a good library.

Tungoe also read out three of her poems titled- “The Pitcher”, “The Weaver” and “The Jhum Song Part I”.

Renthunglo’s poetry is reflective of the roles and statuses of Naga women, noted Dr. Jungmayangla Longkumer, Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension, SASRD Medziphema, Nagaland University. Stressing on independence and empowerment, Longkumer said “to become strong independent people, we need support system' which the poet has beautifully expressed in the poem titled “Papa” “Everything starts from home and to build strong generations, we need to have very supportive system and also give freedom, " said Longkumer. 

As an agronomist, she said the poet has drawn vivid images in “The Jhum Song” where one can feel the sweat as well as the pain of the working farmers. Stating that it is reflective of her keen observations and sensitivity and the understanding of women in the rural areas, and how hard they work and strive, she complimented the poet for nicely crafting these stories and how well she has brought out the picture of the society especially the farming community.

In her publisher’s note, Vishü Rita Krocha related about discussing poetry at the Writers’ Workshop as a popular medium of expression among Nagas despite the fact that it doesn't seem to sell so much. Echoing the words of somebody who pointed out that the reason why Nagas are so much into poetry is probably because we come from this oral tradition of literature, she said, “our folksongs and folktales, our numerous festivals that are directly linked to our way of life, our culture and tradition or the very way we engage ourselves in farming activities have so much of lyrical expression. And I think we should be proud inheritors of this gift.”

Priced at Rs. 200, Wild Sunflowers is available at Crossword Kohima, Chapru, Bible House, Gutouch, Kohima, OM Books and Fusion Store Dimapur and online at www.ilandlo.com.

It may be noted that Renthunglo Tungoe has a master’s degree in Agronomy from the School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development (SASRD), Medziphema. Besides writing, she loves to read and visit the open fields for leisure. Renthunglo Tungoe is currently in service to the Government of Nagaland. She can be contacted at renthunglot.tungoe@gmail.com.