The third edition of the Shillong Literary Festival concluded at the Ward’s Lake, attended by Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma and Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh.
The festival, which commenced on November 14, showcased a vibrant blend of literary discussions, book launches, and cultural celebrations, solidifying its status as a premier literary event in the region.
As a youth outreach activity, a Capacity Building workshop on Literary Critique was organised at the North Eastern Hill University, (NEHU) today.
In his speech Sangma underscored the government’s commitment to nurturing literary talent, stating, “Our government aims to encourage the youth to delve into writing, research, and become successful authors. I’m pleased to announce a special fund and program to financially support researchers, writers, and authors in our local language.”
Reflecting on the festival’s success, the Chief Minister shared his experience, stating, “Attended the closing ceremony of the third Shillong Literary Festival, hosted as part of the Cherry Blossom Festival at beautiful Wards Lake. It’s so nice to learn about the array of events including interactive sessions, book launches, open mic for city poets, and creativity contests.”
Curated by Mary Therese Kurkalang, the festival boasted a diverse line-up of over 70 authors, speakers, book experts, and storytellers who engaged in enriching conversations. The event featured captivating book launches, musical and poetic performances, interactive open mic sessions, and intellectual quizzes, providing a multifaceted experience for attendees.
Renowned authors such as Janice Pariat, Rohan Chakravarty, Sam Miller, Swati Daftuar Jeyamohan, Ankush Saikia, Sanjoy Mukherjee, and others graced the festival, contributing to its success.