While releasing the book, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio lauded Konyak’s enduring commitment to public service, urging others to emulate his dedication
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Veteran politician and former minister of Nagaland, Chingwang Konyak’s autobiography titled “My Life Story” was formally launched on Friday by Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, at Niathu Zone by the Park, Chumoukedima.
The autobiography of octogenarian’s autobiography reflects some of the hard realities he faced devoting his early life, his education and more than five decades of his association with politics and political parties, including the Nagaland Nationalist Organization Party (NNOP), the Indian National Congress Party (INC), and the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).
Presently, he is the state president of the NDPP.
As being the member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) and as a former member of the parliament (Lok Sabha), Chingwang’s book delves into his personal perspective of working as a government servant and then plunging into politics.
Speaking before the close and dear ones who had gathered to be part of the book launching event, the 81-year-old author shared that he had initially not intended to write his autobiography and therefore did not keep detailed records of his life’s events, however, he began writing in 2014 after officially retiring from politics, believing he would have ample time though again he was soon drawn back into the political scenario for which he said that every day in politics has been served with love and pleasure.
Konyak revealed that the book includes personal anecdotes and opinions that many may be unfamiliar with. He expressed hope that his book would illuminate past events for younger generations and evoke cherished memories for his contemporaries.
Chingwang’s political began at a young age of 25, becoming one of India’s youngest ministers when appointed Minister of State in 1969.
Before retiring from electoral politics in 2013, he had served seven terms in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) and two terms in the Lok Sabha.
He has been president of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) since its inception in 2017.
Meanwhile, Chinwang Konyak dedicated the book to his wife, Amenla, who according to him has been his strength to his four children and grand children who have made it more meaningful leaving a legacy to cherish.
In the autobiography, Chingwang has shared facts, opinions, and disclosed a personal side of his life that many may not have known about.
He shared that it has been a long and challenging journey yet exciting that the book would help people understand the beginning of Naga politics and history through someone who has lived through it from the earliest time .
Chinwang later said that writing this book has been a little vulnerable for him in the beginning letting his personal life to be opened up for all public figures but hoped that the book would help bring the older generation and the future generations together through his story and continue to work together as he has a hope for the betterment of Nagas society.
After launching Chingwang Konyaks’ book, Neiphiu Rio, commended the author for his humility, genuiness, and having a mature leadership within the NDPP while also acknowledged his significant contributions towards the state’s development particularly in the eastern regions of the state.
He emphasized the continued need for Konyak’s experience and leadership, stating that the party is “fortunate to be led by a mature, experienced leader like him.”
Rio also lauded Konyak’s enduring commitment to public service, urging others to emulate his dedication.
“Let us not lay down ourselves but try to emulate him so that we also live to serve our people, develop our people and also make people to remember us, and that should be our goal”, he stated.
Asangla Tzudir, founder of Heritage Publishing House, while speaking, emphasised on the importance of Nagas telling their own stories by citing that it has always been the outsiders writing about the Nagas in their own terms, for which she urged Nagas to take ownership of their narratives.
“If we do not write about us, someone else will write and take the glory. Be responsible and tell the story by yourself,” she added.