DIMAPUR: Two books written by Rev Dr Yanbemo Lotha, which was launched today in Dimapur, highlighted important aspects of Naga society—one documenting the experiences and rebuilding journeys of returnees in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the other contributing to the preservation and promotion of the Lotha language through conversational learning.
The two books launched were “Basic Lotha (Kyong Yi) English Yilanglita (Conversation)” and “The Naga Returnees: Rebuilding Lives (Post Covid-19 Pandemic)”, highlighting both the importance of language preservation and the lived experiences of Naga returnees in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The book launch ceremony was held at Lotha Baptist Church, Dimapur, in the presence of church leaders, scholars, officials, and invited guests.
Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan launched the books. Addressing the gathering, he lauded the author for his sacrifice, determination, and dedication in pursuing literary work despite his busy schedule and active involvement in extending support to those in need during the Covid-19 pandemic. He described book writing as a “special gift from God” that demands discipline, preservation of knowledge, research, and dedicated effort.
He further noted that with the government approving the introduction of local languages in academics, the time had come for Lotha writers to produce more books that could eventually be inducted at the degree level. Stressing the importance of maintaining clarity and standardization in literature, he said literature boards must be consulted before the release of books to avoid confusion among younger learners.
Encouraging the younger generation to cultivate reading habits, Yanthan said that reading sharpens the mind and intellect, adding that books remain more enriching and engaging than mobile phones. He also appealed to the gathering to purchase the newly released books as a way of encouraging writers and inspiring more individuals to contribute to literature.
The two books released highlight important aspects of Naga society—one documenting the experiences and rebuilding journeys of returnees in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the other contributing to the preservation and promotion of the Lotha language through conversational learning.
Principal Secretary, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, and Parliamentary Affairs, Y. Kikheto sema, shared a note of concern during the COVID crisis management in Dimapur. He recalled how the State Government, following the nationwide lockdown in 2020, set up a special team to manage the return of stranded citizens.
He highlighted that 52 quarantine centres with around 4,000 beds were established to accommodate nearly 65 percent of the returnees. The first special train, carrying 2,469 returnees from Chennai, arrived on May 22, 2020, followed by several more trains, buses, and a flight. In total, around 17,000 returnees were received in Dimapur within 28 days.
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He acknowledged the dedicated service of Rev. Dr. Yanbemo Lotha, describing him as a “Man of Action” who stood firmly with the core team during both the first and second waves of the pandemic. The crisis, he said, was overcome through the “4 Cs” — Cooperation, Coordination, Confidence, and Contribution. Speaking on the significance of the newly released book, Sema said the publication captures the journeys of those who became “returnees” during the pandemic and documents the untold stories of compassion, resilience, and sacrifice.
He stated that the book serves as an important record of the time when countless people faced uncertainty and hardship, ensuring that future generations will remember the sacrifices made by the Covid warriors.
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