The third edition of the Shillong Literary Festival was inaugurated today by cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh, transforming the serene backdrop of Ward’s Lake into a vibrant hub of intellectual discourse.
Running until November 16, the festival promises a dynamic lineup of over 60 literary intellectuals, featuring more than 30 sessions encompassing author conversations, storytelling, interactive sessions, book launches, open mic performances and photography exhibitions.
Speaking on the occasion, Lyngdoh emphasised that the government is seriously endeavouring to create more opportunities, more outlets and more platforms.
“Let us ensure that we can reverse what a famous poet once said – the best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity,” he said, referring to the famous WB Yeats poem The Second Coming. “It is time that the educated and the enlightened do not shy away from public discourses on matters of real importance. For a society to be progressive, I would urge upon all of you who are thought leaders, who are people with substance, people who can add and contribute to the growth trajectory of our very beautiful state, to let us join hands and ensure that our efforts do bear fruit. I am so inspired; I will certainly come back to one of these sessions not as a politician but as a writer and a poet.”
Commissioner & Secretary Dr Vijay Kumar D expressed hope that festivals and tourism to become a huge growth engine for the state and to keep the youth engaged wherein such festivals are opportunities to provide platforms for creative talents.
He said, “Tourism and the creative economy emerge as crucial drivers for Meghalaya’s growth, given the state’s well-known natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and overall richness. Deliberations within the tourism department and state government have long revolved around building Meghalaya into a distinguished tourist destination. The focus lies in strategically positioning the state and its cities as hosts for high-value events, interactions, and engagements. The goal is to attract a specific target audience, niche tourists, and individuals capable of amplifying Meghalaya’s image, fostering its reputation as a premier high-value tourist destination.”
Among the distinguished personalities gracing the event are celebrated authors Janice Pariat, Rohan Chakravarty,Arghya Sengupta, Ambarish Satwik, Clemen Xavier, Parismita Singh, Naveen Kishore, Ankush Saikia, Jeyamohan, Sam Miller, Sanjoy Mukherjee, Nandini Oberoi, Desmond Kharmawphlang,Bijoya Sawian, Patricia Mukhim, Ian Lyngdoh, and Kyntiewbor War.
