All posts filed under: PEOPLE

RootsandLeisure_Musician_Imrongtuden

Imrongtuden aka IMXRNG from Nagaland Talks About Creating Lo-fi Music and His Bold Musical Ambitions

Published by Arepla Jamir

One of our greatest gifts that is solely ours is our ability to dream; while some toil to make their dreams come true, some blend into the shadows of fear and frustration. So it is encouraging to see some brave hearts go against adversaries in pursuit of their dreams – however odd or bold they may seem. A friend of mine is one such courageous soul, who has made the bold decision to take the path of resistance to follow his passion for music. I’d like to introduce you to Imrongtuden from Dimapur, who is an aspiring musician/Producer/DJ. Apart from his musical talent, he is also known among his circle for his creativity, hard work, and curiosity. He plays the piano pretty proficiently as well, and makes great Anime art. Let’s find out more about him, his music and more. Session Musician and Lo-fi producer Imrongtuden from Nagaland Supong: We can only ever start something by truly knowing the person, to start it off would you like to tell us a little about yourself. Imrongtuden: …

Rootsandleisure_Greige Rose Chocolates

‘Greige Rose Chocolates’ from Nagaland Have the Most Delectable Collection of Quirky and Colorful

Published by Menule Chirhah

23-year old Rose from Nagaland had to quit her job as an air hostess during the COVID pandemic in 2020. But this young woman showed her resiliency and inner talent by taking the downtime to launch her own chocolate brand. It’s been less than a year since she started her venture, but her homemade chocolate brand ‘Greige Rose Chocolates‘ has been making waves among the locals in Nagaland. ‘Greige Rose Chocolates‘ is known for using perfectly tempered chocolates to create the most creative and imaginative designs. They come neatly packed in gorgeous packaging and each new item is a breath of fresh air just like the creator herself. I chat with its founder Rose, to delve deeper into her story and her chocolates! Read on. Rose, Owner of ‘Griege Rose Chocolates’  Menule: Hi, please tell us about yourself!  Rose: Hi, my name is Rose and I’m 23 years old. I am the owner of ‘Greige Rose Chocolates’ which I started back in June of 2020. I had just quit my job as an air hostess …

RootsandLeisure_oioipatio

They Met in Nursing College and Now They Run One of The Cutest Hobby Venture ‘Oi Oi Patio’ – Meet the Founders Oyinang and Chubamenla

Published by Menule Chirhah

One day as I was scrolling through Instagram, I came across these gorgeous macramé handbags from an account called ‘Oi Oi Patio’. Still in awe, I was even more amazed to find out that the creators are based out of Arunachal. Lucky for me, one of my friends knew of them, and I was able to get in touch with them. ‘Oi Oi Patio’ is the brainchild of two friends from North East India – Oyinang Taggu from Arunachal and Chubamenla Aier from Nagaland. The two friends met in nursing college, and are now working full time – and also runs this hobby project together. “With our current 9-4 working schedule, we usually spend 4-5 hours on working days and 7-8 hours on weekends on ‘Oi Oi Patio.’ Phew! I am now even more intrigued to know how they manage it all – and what is the force behind their motivation. Read on to know all the details. Founders of ‘Oi Oi Patio’ (L-R) Oyinang Taggu from Arunachal and Chubamenla Aier from Nagaland Menule: Hi, …

Rootsandleisure_North east India musicians

A Song for Every Mood – Music and Musicians from North East India

Published by Roots & Leisure

  Over the weekend, we had a fun leisure chat with our readers, where we shared our current moods – in exchange for a song. By the end of the session, we had compiled a pretty good playlist of songs performed/written/composed by talented musicians from North East India. Scroll below to check out the list.  p.s: We have our weekly community chats on Instagram. Do visit for some fun. Also, remember to regularly check in on your friends – and ask how they are doing. “Very bad mood due to cramps” ~ @journalofhisdaughter Dedicating this song “Warrior’s Call” by Colored Keys Nagaland. Composed in two Naga dialects (Chakhesang and Angami) with a blend of tribal folk and contemporary western melody, this song is guaranteed to help you relax, and meditate. Breathe.    “Hopeful” ~ @ruchielal Play ‘Korou’ (meaning ‘Sunlight’ in Manipuri) by June Neelu Ft B.Maisnam from Manipur. A song about the beauty of nature… the sunrise, dews, birds, wind, and the mountains, this has been our go-to video for afternoon daydreaming and endless optimism. …

Rootsandleisure-Poets from North East India

World Poetry Day | Poets and Poetry from North East India

Published by Roots & Leisure

On World Poetry Day, we compile our list of local authors from North East India, who have penned their deepest, most personal thoughts through poetry. Showcasing the variety of writers from the region especially seems apt on an international day like this – a day, that is intended to promote linguistic diversity. Vancouver Shullai from Shillong – author of ‘How To Love A Broken Man’ “My poetry is, more often than not, a protest. There are poems that bring in a feel of the Romantics; they’re a lot like tea breaks from resentment. I hold every poem in equal regard because each of them comes from a place of extremely pure inspiration. To put it simply, I don’t force my poetry. If I feel it, I write it. If I don’t, I don’t.” ~ Vancouver Shullai Michelle Rungsung from Manipur – author of ‘Garden in a Graveyard’ “My readers are aware that most of my work revolves around my childhood memories and my home because it was where I began in the first place. I …

rootsandleisure_golden Punjab

Faces | “Capturing This Sunrise in the Wheat Fields of Ludhiana Made Me Believe That India is Still a Golden Bird”

Published by Titiksha Jain

“I took this picture during one of my photo-walks in the outskirts of Ludhiana, Punjab. Just like people wake up in the early hours to do yoga or exercise, my morning ritual often comprises of long walks by myself – and my camera.  This was on my way towards Flahi Sahib, one of the popular Gurdwaras in the area. The sunrise this particular morning had a magical golden view as it rose above the expansive wheat fields. That moment I took this picture, I immediately thought of how India is a Golden Bird even today, to me; and anyone who disagrees might change their mind after seeing this photo. I still remember the hope and pride I felt in my heart as I admired this view that morning…” ~ Harsh Jain, Ludhiana “Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground.” ~ Frederick Douglass

Rootsandleisure_Miss Nagaland_Vikuonuo Sachü

“I Let my Head Work Instead of Letting My Heart Be Troubled” – Tête-à-Tête with Vikuonuo Sachü, Reigning Miss Nagaland

Published by Deno Dolie

I sat down with reigning Miss Nagaland Vikuonuo Sachü over coffee to talk about the crown and the responsibilities that came along with it, her personal journey from aspiring to become Miss Nagaland to fulfilling her dreams to how she’s shaped it as a platform for empowering the youth.  For someone still in college and so young, she has already accomplished more than most can even begin to imagine. Looking at all the work she has done so far, I am confident that this young friend and role model is on her path to achieve much more.  Deno: Hi Vikuonuo, welcome to R&L! Please introduce yourself. Vikuonuo: Hi everyone, a pleasure to be having this chat. I am Vikuonuo Sachü, reigning Miss Nagaland 2019. I am from Kohima, and currently pursuing a degree along with various social activities. Personally, I would describe myself as both an introvert and an extrovert. I can be very shy at times, but also equally enjoy traveling and meeting new people, and having conversations with them about their lives and perspectives …

Rootsandleisure_Nongwarngam Chinir

“Some Poems are as Bright as the Glaring Sun, While Some are as Dark as Our Struggles” – Nongwarngam Chinir from Manipur Talks About his Newly Launched Book “Labyrinth”

Published by Arepla Jamir

“Some poems reflect dreams that are as ambitious as the glaring sun, some will depict the darkness we all struggle to keep at bay; may you find yourself in this Labyrinth” – Nongwarngam Chinir I had the pleasure to share a little warm conversation with this soulful writer Nongwarngam Chinir who recently published his debut book entitled “Labyrinth” – a collection of poems about stories from the eyes of strangers, of love, of courage, of finding the deeper meaning of life, about finding one’s way through this labyrinth called life.  Our young aspiring author introduces himself as an activist, a humanitarian, an old soul but above all just a normal guy who is trying to achieve his dreams in a world filled with chaos. Join me as I take a journey down memory lane with Nong of how this wonderful book was born.  Nongwarngam Chinir – Author of the newly launched book “Labyrinth” Arep: First, congratulations on getting your book published! Please introduce yourself to our readers. N. Chinir: My name is Nongwarngam Chinir, I …

Rootsandleisure_Arieno Kera

Artist Arieno Kera from Nagaland Makes Dreamy Renditions of People Around Her – Through Her Signature Acrylic Portraits

Published by Deno Dolie

Arieno Kera is a Fine Art student from Nagaland. A childhood friend, I remember her as this calm individual who had the most natural flair for painting and art – for as long as I can remember. Growing up together, I am so excited to see where her talent is going to take her. Currently, she is pursuing fine arts as a student and she has already captured the hearts of many – with her signature dreamy portraits in acrylic. Worthy to note that she always had a keen interest in stories and people, and that comes out beautifully through each stroke in all her paintings. In her own words, her work is inspired by “the Realist and Impressionistic art periods. They made me see the beauty in truth, in the ordinary, and in life.” I chat with her to give you guys a glimpse into her portfolio of work. Fine Art student Arieno Kera | Photo by Ghanajit Wahengbam Deno: Hi Arieno, such a fan of your portraits! Please introduce yourself.  Arieno: My name …

Two Sisters from Nagaland Bring Eco Friendly Soy Candles for the Conscious Consumer | Chat with ‘Millennials & Gen Z’ Candles

Published by Menule Chirhah

I sat down with sisters Nuzosalu and Akholu Nyekha – founders of  ‘Millennials & Gen Z’ candles over the weekend to take you through their venture in detail. They specialize in making scented candles, or ‘therapy candles’ as they call it, using soy wax, which are biodegradable and hence much more environment-friendly.  They started this venture as a hobby during the pandemic lockdowns, and I have been mesmerized ever since. What is even more admirable is their conscious contribution to their environment through their eco-friendly initiatives like using biodegradable soy-wax for their candles; they also have a recycling initiative where a customer can return four empty glass jars and get a new therapy candle in return. So let us try and understand more about their work / life philosophy, and explore the goodness of their therapy candles through a quick chat. Sisters Nuzosalu and Akholu Nyekha – founders of ‘Millennials & Gen Z’ Candles Menu: Hello Nuzo and Akho, thanks for taking out time to have this chat. Please introduce yourselves Millennials & Gen Z: We are …