Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma on Tuesday said Education and knowledge are the best assets to be left behind to the younger one and the generation to Come.
Visiting the Shillong Literary festival, Sangma was seen purchasing books on the Autonomous District Council of Meghalaya and also the Khasi Society of Meghalaya.
Asked, he said, “This is a wonderful atmosphere at Shillong Literary festival and this festival is about displaying the quality, beauty that Shillong and Meghalaya have. This is like the display of the asset of education and knowledge that we have in the book form in the festival. Everybody should come to the festival, enjoy and get benefit out of it.”
Stating that knowledge gathered through reading is being converted, transformed and transferred to the generation to come, the Education Minister said this festival is a medium to converse, dialogue, share, listen and engage through stories, language, literature, poetry, and the many intersections with living cultures and the environment.
Meghalaya Art and culture Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Tuesday inaugurated the 3rd edition of the Shillong Literary Festival, 2023 at Ward’s Lake, Shillong.
While, transforming the serene backdrop of Wards Lake or the Nan Polok, into a vibrant hub of intellectual discourse, 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 captivating photography exhibitions.
Delivering a speech on the occasion, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh emphasized that the government is seriously endeavouring to create more opportunities, more outlets, more platforms.
He said, “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. 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 on one of these sessions not as a politician but as a writer and a poet.”
Dr Vijay Kumar D, Commissioner & Secretary, Government of Meghalaya 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.
The Shillong Literary Festival 2023 is a literary odyssey that transcends boundaries, inviting participants to explore new dimensions of creativity, thought, and cultural exchange. As the festival unfolds, it promises to redefine the very essence of the literary experience, making it a must-attend event for enthusiasts and influencers alike.