Shillong, Nov 21: The second day of the Shillong Literary Festival 2025 continued to captivate audiences with a wide range of intellectually stimulating sessions and discussions spanning cinema, poetry, history and culture.
The first session, “Life Beyond the Metro”, featured Vinay Pathak, Dominic Sangma and Rajat Kapoor in a conversation with Shahana Chatterjee on the new geographies of Indian cinema, web series and storytelling.
An engaging conversation titled “Writing a River” featured Anita Agnihotri and Sanjoy Hazarika discussing the river as a muse. Agnihotri reflected on her extensive journeys and noted that a river is not merely a geographical entity but is shaped by its relationship with civilization. Hazarika, author of River Traveller, observed the impact of climate change on cultivation and highlighted how stories and songs evolve as the river flows through different landscapes.
In “The Everest Challenge”, Jamling Norgay presented the legendary Tenzing Norgay–Edmund Hillary ascent and shared insights into the life of his father, Tenzing Norgay. In conversation with Brian Kharpran Daly, he recalled climbing Mt Everest in 1996 and wanting to return, although his wife was opposed. He expressed concern on overcrowding the mountain and the risks therein.
In “Invisible Ink”, Banu Mushtaq, Arupa Kalita Patangia and Lucy Hannah examined the power of chronicling stories from marginalised worlds. Prayaag Akbar, Rahul Bhattacharya and Keshava Guha discussed the question “Are second novels tougher to write?” This was followed by a reflective conversation where Shehan Karunatilaka revisited his Booker Prize-winning novel The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida with Sanjoy Hazarika.
Beyond the formal sessions, the festival grounds buzzed with activity. A wide array of bookstalls invited readers to browse new releases and treasured classics, while heritage displays highlighted the cultural diversity of the region. Among these was the storytelling session curated by Riti Academy of Visual Arts.
A special highlight of the storytelling programme was the musical performance by Khasi Cymru Music, an intercultural ensemble that has been garnering attention for its distinctive blend of Khasi and Welsh musical traditions. The group, composed of five music graduates from the Department of Music at Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), was formed in November 2024 through the Mair Jones Harp Scholarship offered by the William Mathias Music Centre in Wales. This opportunity introduced the young musicians to Welsh musical heritage and inspired their innovative fusion of styles.
The ensemble includes Aijingkmen Janong, Balasiewdor Ryntathiang, Nangteidor Nongkhlaw, and Risaka Nancy Pyrbot. They were joined by Banjop Leo Kharmalki, an actor and writer known for his contribution to the Phawar tradition.
The storytelling presentation drew its narrative from KOT – Khasi Old Testament, authored by Raphael Warjri. Bringing these ancient tales to life were veteran news anchors and seasoned comperes Fatima Nongbri and Lucetta Syiem, both deeply knowledgeable in Khasi culture and folklore. Their narration transported the audience to the beginning of time, recounting the Khasi creation myth and the genesis of humankind as preserved in Khasi mythology.
The final day of the festival on Saturday promises yet another immersive experience, featuring the Garo creation myth performed with the musical accompaniment of the Shill Achik Cultural Artistes Association, further enriching the tapestry of indigenous storytelling showcased at the event.
