A book ‘Besought Grit’ released in Kohima

KOHIMA — A book titled ‘Besought Grit,’ written by an 18-year-old student, Menang Longkumer, was released in Kohima on Thursday. The book release also marked the 93rd publication of the PenThrill Publication House.

Releasing the book, Dr. Temjenwabang, principal of Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, said that students today hardly read books as information are readily available online. He has appreciated the author for preserving the legacy of reading books and writing.

The author shared that the poems were written in the span of six years with an intention of capturing the essence of positivity of shared emotions, each one illustrated with a corresponding image or art.

Longkumer recalled that he could not sing, play music or create art, but loved reading and listening to his grandparents’ narrating stories during his childhood.

“I remember a time when I prayed to have a special talent, just like my cousins and friends. This sparked a fire within me and I felt driven to write like my favourite authors. And then, poetry happened – a divine answer to my prayers,” he shared.

Publisher of PenThrill Publication House, Vishu Rita Krocha, said over 40 poetry books have so far been published under the imprint of PenThrill Publication House.

Out of the 11 books that PenThrill has published so far this year, “Besought Grit” by Menang Longkumer was the 7th poetry collection while the rest of the five publications comprise of genres like manga, memoir, fiction etc.

She believed that poets can impact the society through their distinct works of art by fostering empathy, emotional connection and introspection, reminding all of a shared humanity. She added that poetry is a universal language that can be understood by everyone.

Editor of the book and assistant professor at Fazl Ali College, Dr. Bendangrenla S Longkumer, conveyed that the book is a unique amalgamation of creative arts that offers a harmonious blend of the written word and artistic expression through photographs and sketches.