Kohima, Nov. 3: Governor Shyamal Dutta today released, Nagaland University?s compilation of 172 poems from the state, Poetry from Nagaland, a book which reflected the ?inner voice? of young, creative minds in Nagaland.

Nini Lungalang?s recitation touched the hearts of all those present. Of the 39 poets who contributed to the book, 26 are women.

The governor who is also the chief rector of the university termed the university?s effort as ?historic?. He also mentioned how women had outnumbered men in contributing the poems.

?A mind which reflects is in a better position than the one which reacts,? Dutta commented, after hearing recitations by 30 poets. He called the book a true reflection of the Naga mind and said the poems implied that the conscience of society was still intact and that guns had not been able to silence them.

The contributors included seven journalists, 14 teachers, professionals as well as students. From religion to reflections, poets touched on diverse topics.

The diminutive information officer, Asangla Imsong, an anthropology graduate and a post-graduate in English literature recited verses on how the day was too short for so much work.

In the course of his speech, the governor recited a poem by Wetshokrolo Lasuh, a lecturer in education, with thoughts on Ten years after tsunami 2004.

The book was edited by the English department of the university under the stewardship of its head, Fr A.J. Sebastian. He said the publication was conceptualised in 2001 al-ong with Folk tales from Nagaland, which is in the pipeline.

Datta asked the state government to nominate a poet featuring in the book for the Governor?s award. Vice-chancellor, G.D. Sharma said the book would protect ?intellect-ual property rights? of Nagas.