Mmhonlumo Kikon is an Aspen Fellow and the author of two poetry collections: The Penmi Poems (2018) and The Village Empire (2019). He grew up in Kohima and has been writing for journals and newspapers since his college days. After completing his master’s in English literature from Delhi University, he pursued development studies with various organizations and also got actively associated with social service and community welfare. He was an MLA in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. An ardent footballer, he played for his college team and regularly promotes the sport in his home state.