The fourth edition of the Shillong Literary Festival concluded at Ward’s Lake with a stellar show that saw the festival get its first international writer with Turkish diplomat, Firat Sunel.
Sunel took part in a discourse on his book, ‘The Lighthouse Family’ with tourism director Cyril V Diengdoh and later attended the closing ceremony with tourism minister, Paul Lyngdoh.
In his keynote address Sunel said, “Cultural diplomacy builds bridges between cultures and people. Literature remains one of the most powerful tools we have and it preserves culture and history. Meghalaya has shown its commitment to protect its cultural heritage through the literary fest.”
He added that the lit fest demonstrated the fusion of literature, heritage, art and tourism.
“Meghalaya is truly a gem for visitors all over with its pristine greenery, well preserved traditions and impeccable hospitality is something that I am happy to explore,” he stated, while adding that he was happy that Turkiye was the host for a NE festival that took place in the country.
He further invited artists and musicians to his country to take part in various literary and cultural fests while calling Meghalaya “A land of musicians.”
Tourism minister said, “This is by far the most successful festival. Lit fest 2024 is just a precursor for the next level where we will elevate and enhance the fest to a new dimension next year.”
Thanking the ambassador for the invite to his country, Paul accepted the invitation while assuring that the state would take the best possible contingent to Turkiye.
“We have reached a level where the rest of India and beyond are looking towards Meghalaya for the kind of immersive, experiential tourism that we have to offer. I am confident that the Shillong Lit fest will sooner rather than later be as big as the one at Jaipur,” he added.
The festival, which commenced on November 18, showcased a vibrant blend of literary discussions, book launches, and cultural celebrations, solidifying its status as a premier literary event in the region.
More than 10000 people bore witness on the closing day which also had a panel that comprised film makers, Nicholas Kharkongor, Nancy Nisa Beso on the subject of Bollywood and the North East. All panelists agreed on the fact that while Bollywood was still completely inclusive of the actors from the North East, the situation was changing and the day was not far when another superstar would come from the region.
Travel writer from Shillong, Samrat Choudhary spoke at length with writer Mitra Phukan about travel and how it shaped his writings. He spoke at length about his latest book, ‘The Braided River’ about his travels through the River Brahmaputra.
Next on the podium was Dr Desmond Kharmawphlang who in conversation with Dr Janet Dkhar discussed about the magic of oral storytelling while the art of storytelling in animation and film was discussed by filmmaker Nina Sabnani and Samanda Nora Pyngrope.
Publisher and editor, Elizabeth Kuruvilla and Anandita Ghose spoke on the art of fact and fiction.
