Themreichon Leisan’s debut poetry collection marks a dream realised

For Themreichon Leisan, the release of her debut poetry collection, Homesick for Another World, is the realisation of a long-held dream — one shaped by reading, writing, conversations and the quiet encouragement of people who believed in her.

The collection was officially released by Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor to School Education and SCERT, at the Nagaland State Guest House in New Delhi on September 17. The publication also marked PenThrill’s 125th book and its fifth publication by an author from Manipur.

Leisan, who hails from the mountain region of Ukhrul, Manipur, is an avid reader and writer who enjoys reviewing books and crafting stories inspired by the world around her. She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Delhi and is a former teacher. She currently lives and works in New Delhi.

In her acknowledgement, Leisan described the book as something that came into being through “many quiet pushes.” She wrote that it was not something she arrived at alone, but was shaped by conversations, encouragement and the persistence of people who believed in her before she fully believed in herself.

“The book is for the ones who feel, always and for the ones who helped me keep feeling,” she wrote.

At the launch, Dr. Yhome spoke about the experience of internal diaspora among tribal communities, where young people increasingly move to cities in search of education and employment. Such movement, he said, can create a sense of longing and displacement.

He described Leisan’s poetry as “a new genre of cultural memories”, giving artistic expression to personal and lived experiences. He also expressed hope that such forms of writing would continue to grow.

According to the book’s blurb, Homesick for Another World “blooms from the soil of memory and identity.” The collection explores the relationship between tradition and selfhood, particularly the tension between what is inherited and what is chosen.

Through themes of love, longing and resilience, Leisan’s poems also reflect on womanhood and the complexities of human emotion, offering an intimate exploration of identity, memory and belonging.

For Leisan, the debut is more than the arrival of a first book in print. It is the culmination of a journey of feeling, writing and finding the courage to finally share those words with the world.

courtesy: EMN