Day 2 of Shillong Literary Festival 2025 unfolds with captivating, insightful discussions
Day 2 of Shillong Literary Festival 2025 unfolds with captivating, insightful discussions
Day 2 of the Shillong Literary Festival captivated audiences with an enriching lineup of discussions and performances spotlighting cinema, history, poetry and culture. With engaging conversations led by writers, filmmakers, thinkers and scholars from India and beyond, the festival reaffirmed its growing cultural significance in the literary landscape.
Chief Minister Highlights Meghalaya’s Cultural Growth
The day opened with Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister, reflecting on the evolution of the festival from a modest event to a major creative platform. Speaking on the importance of nurturing young talent, he shared: “Next time, we should have a writing competition. Allow, kids to write, give them a platform. Take them to somebody mentoring them. Meghalaya should become a place where writing becomes part of our system, our culture.”
The Chief Minister highlighted an INR 133-crore economic return generated from recent cultural initiatives, expressing his vision of positioning Shillong as India’s next arts and literary capital.
To strengthen academic and cultural research, he announced the expansion of the Chief Minister’s Research Grant to support 75 scholars this year for in-depth studies on the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes. An expert team is already working on comprehensive documentation of the three ethnic communities.
He also revealed the transformation of Ward’s Lake, with INR 20 crores sanctioned and an additional INR 30 crores planned. The renovation includes laser light installations portraying Meghalaya’s history and permanent arenas for year-round cultural events ensuring a continuous festive season from the Literary Festival through Christmas.
Book Launches and Engaging Dialogues Set the Tone
Day 2 opened with multiple book launches, including:
- River Traveller – Journeys of the Tsangpo-Brahmaputra from Tibet to the Bay of Bengal
- Wad ia ka malade (Khasi)
- European Writing in the Khasi Hills
- BSF and Meghalaya – Through the Lens of a Border Man
- From Isolation to Integration: Geopolitics of India’s Northeast
- Cinema, Conversations and Cultural Reflection
The first session, “Life Beyond the Metro,” featured Shri Vinay Pathak, Shri Dominic Sangma and Shri Rajat Kapoor in conversation with Smti Shahana Chatterjee, examining new geographies of Indian cinema and digital storytelling.
Highlights from the session included:
- Shri Dominic Sangma recalling oral stories from elders and sharing updates on the third film of his trilogy.
- Shri Rajat Kapoor discussing the challenges of independent cinema and teasing upcoming projects.
- Shri Vinay Pathak expressing gratitude for the invitation and excitement about future creative ventures.
Celebrating Poetry and Literary Expression
In “Poetry Echoing through the Garo Hills,” poets Shri Prince S.R. Marak, Smti Sengsime A. Sangma, Smti Jakmatchi M. Sangma, Dr. Rhinkle Mrong and Shri Fivebilson R. Marak enthralled listeners with powerful expressions of Garo poetry.
The event featured several thought-provoking sessions, including:
- “Writing a River” with Smti Anita Agnihotri and Shri Sanjoy Hazarika
- “The Everest Challenge” with Shri Jamling Norgay reflecting on the Tenzing Norgay-Edmund Hillary ascent
- “From Isolation to Integration” with Smti Patricia Mukhim on Northeast geopolitics
- Academicians from Garo Hills discussing the translation of oral tradition into literature
- “Courage Under Fire” on wartime journalism and unsung national heroes
- “Invisible Ink” exploring marginalised voices in storytelling
- “Are Second Novels Tougher to Write?” featuring Shri Prayaag Akbar, Shri Rahul Bhattacharya and Shri Keshava Guha
- A session with Booker Prize winner Shehan Karunatilaka revisiting his acclaimed novel The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida
- “The Upamanyu Omnibus” with Upamanyu Chatterjee followed by “The Four Purusharthas” with Mr. Francesc Miralles
A Musical Finale at Ward’s Lake
As the day drew to a close, Ward’s Lake came alive with captivating performances by MGMP artists. The evening blended music, culture and the spirit of Meghalaya in a spectacular finale — an experience that perfectly captured the ethos of the Shillong Literary Festival.
Conclusion
Day 2 of the Shillong Literary Festival stood out as an inspiring celebration of storytelling, heritage and artistic expression. With important cultural announcements, powerful literary dialogues and vibrant performances, the festival continues to strengthen Meghalaya’s identity as a rising hub for arts, culture and literary excellence in India.
