Shillong, Nov 12: Ward’s Lake turned into Shillong’s biggest storybook on Thursday as Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma opened the 6th Shillong Literary Festival in front of a packed crowd, with Booker Prize winners Kiran Desai and Damon Galgut sharing the stage.
Sangma said Meghalaya is now one of India’s fastest-growing economies, but growth must reach people. “While the economy moves, it must trickle down and impact the individuals who it’s meant to,” he said, adding that the Lit Fest will inspire youngsters to start writing.
In a line that drew the loudest applause, he spoke of the living root bridges, India’s UNESCO World Heritage nomination. “Here we are not constructing, but we are weaving bridges,” he said. Staying connected to our roots, he said, will ensure we do not lose ourselves while moving forward.
Tourism Commissioner & Secretary Dr Vijay Kumar D. said the festival is on track to become one of the top five literary festivals in India, and that tourism remains the state’s number one employment generator. Having two Booker winners here, he said, is a huge inspiration, privilege and good fortune.
Curator Malavika Banerjee said this weekend will celebrate words and ideas, come rain, hail or shine.
Seven new books were launched on the opening day by Daniel Challam, Rudy Warjri, Sanjoy Hazarika, Yadawanka Pala, Streamlet Dkhar, Bijoya Sawian and Anjum Hasan.
Kiran Desai said she had waited all her life to see this part of India. “Something essential to the human spirit and to the artistic spirit is in the mountains and in the forests,” she said, adding she has come as an eager student to learn about Khasi, Garo and Jaintia literatures.
Damon Galgut said India’s landscapes, people and cultures have always sparked his creativity, and Shillong will be no different. Padma Shri Hally War also spoke on protecting and preserving our roots.
The festival continues at Ward’s Lake till November 14.
