The Shillong Literary Festival 2024, organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, continued to captivate audiences on its second day, drawing over 5,000 participants across various sessions. Following an impressive turnout of 3,500 attendees on the first day, the three-day festival has cemented its position as a premier cultural event in the region. Revelling Culture and Heritage, day two commenced with an insightful session on Culture and Heritage, highlighting the launch of the Meghalaya Listing Document. Moderated by Dr. Madeline Y. Tham, the panel featured eminent personalities including Dr. Ramona Sangma, Ms. Hannah Lahlanpuii, Smt. Ankush Saikia, and Shri Sanjoy Hazarika. The discussion emphasized the importance of preserving both tangible and intangible heritage. A panellist remarked, The Meghalaya Listing Document will be an integral tool for the defence and promotion of the culture and traditions of Meghalaya.
Renowned academician Dr. Kaustabh Deka lauded the festival, stating, the amazing sessions, supportable venue design, and particular planning make the Shillong Literary Festival a remarkable event. Smt. Anita Agnihotri’s session on her latest book, A Touch of Salt, captivated readers, followed by “Transcending Boundaries,” a discussion on translation featuring Yeshe Dorje Thongchi and Dr. Moushumi Kandali in conversation with Dr. Moushumi Chakraborty. Mr. Thongchi inspired young writer saying, Keep writing, and keep reading. The more you read, the better a writer you become. The young writer, “Myra” she is just an 11 year old girl, who already publish her 3 books, all are based on her imagination character. A session on Indigenous Voices of Northeast India brought unique stories to the forefront, with Dr. Streamlet Dkhar engaging with panellists Shri Bikash Roy Debbarma, Shri Anil Kumar Boro, and Shri Basan Marak. The discussion strained the importance of safeguarding indigenous languages and narratives amidst modern influences. Mr. Avner Pariat and Ms. Sasanbha Lytan paid tribute to Khasi literature, a gathering of Khasi poems reflecting the essence of the region.
The festival also featured the launch of The Chicken Who Flew to Canada, a children’s book by Abie Alexander, illustrated by Dr. Benedict Hynniewta. Poetry lovers were treated to Autumn Winds, where Madhu Raghvendra and Ms. Nabina Das recited their works, celebrating the limitless nature of creativity. The day concluded with a compelling conversation featuring authors Shobha De and journalist Patricia Mukhim. The duo highlighted the need for accurate and inclusive representation of Northeast India in literature and media, encouraging young writers to advocate for truthful portrayals and freedom of expression. The Lakeside Melody session, part of the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP), showcased local artists. One artist shared, “The Government of Meghalaya, through MGMP, is not only giving us a platform to perform but also ensuring we are compensated for our art.” The Shillong Literary Festival 2024 continues to be a vivacious celebration of literature, culture, and heritage, leaving participants eagerly anticipating the final day.