BARKWEAVER LAUNCHES ITS FIRST BOOK

Barkweaver’s first book, “Naga Folktales Retold” was launched at Dream Cafe, Kohima on the 18th December. Guests arrived well before the launch and one of the sweetest arrivals was 90-year-old oral narrator Salhouthie. The other oral narrator who was present was 77-year-old Kelhouvikuo.

The presence of the oral narrators meant that it had to be a bilingual launch. Which was quite alright. Nagas are adept at code-switching so the first part of the launch began in English and then we rounded it off in Tenyidie. Signing of autographs took place in English, I think.

The response from the local press was heartening. Next morning at breakfast, my sister pushed the papers to me saying, “Well you and David Beckham made it to the front page.” Indeed there we were, Dave on one side of the four-columner and yours truly on the other. Hope Victoria doesn’t subscribe to Naga newspapers.