Shillong: Literature made a resounding comeback in the heart of Meghalaya as the 4th edition of the Shillong Literature Festival commenced on Saturday, drawing over 3,500 attendees on its opening day. Hosted in the picturesque capital, the festival captivated audiences with an array of engaging conversations, readings, and interactions with celebrated authors and poets from across the country.
Inaugurated by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, the festival aims to spotlight budding writers and poets, offering them an opportunity to engage with acclaimed literary figures and refine their craft. More than 20 local writers participated on the first day, with numbers expected to grow as the festival progresses.
The event’s highlight was the presence of literary luminaries, including Vikram Seth, Shobhaa De, Jerry Pinto, and local talent Kynpham N Nongkynrih. Despite a seating capacity of 200, the venue overflowed with an eager audience, many of whom gathered on nearby embankments to immerse themselves in the day’s rich conversations.
Day One Highlights
The day began with Kynpham N Nongkynrih introducing his book, The Distaste of the Earth. A deep dive into the world of ancient Khasi kings and warriors, the book paints a poignant picture of a young man caught in turbulent times.
Next, Sabir Hussain shared his journey as a writer and journalist, emphasizing how travel shaped his perspectives, in conversation with former Shillong Press Club president David Laitphlang.
Mario Pathaw and Kenneth Thangkhiew explored the art of creating visual narratives, offering valuable insights to budding storytellers. Meanwhile, historian Arupjyoti Saikia engaged with Dr. Kaustabh Kr Deka, tracing the evolution of the North East from colonial times to the modern era.
A rare appearance by the reclusive Padma Shree awardee Vikram Seth captivated the audience. In conversation with journalist Malavika Banerjee, Seth shared reflections on his literary journey and read excerpts from his work.
Jerry Pinto, in a discussion with Janice Pariat, offered a glimpse into his book, The Education of Yuri*, which explores the life of an orphan. Later, Shobhaa De joined Pinto on stage to discuss her illustrious career. De encouraged aspiring writers to persevere in their craft while advocating for fair remuneration in the literary world.
Interactive Sessions and Closing Notes
The interactive format of the sessions allowed attendees to engage directly with authors, posing questions and seeking deeper insights into their work and creative processes. The writers were generous in sharing their experiences and advice, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas.
The day concluded on a high note with a musical evening under the Meghalaya Grassroots Musical Program, blending art forms to celebrate creativity in its myriad forms.
As word of the festival spreads, the coming days are expected to witness even larger crowds, cementing Shillong’s position as a burgeoning hub for literary and cultural excellence.