Shillong, November 12: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday inaugurated the sixth edition of the Shillong Literary Festival at Ward’s Lake, bringing together renowned authors, poets and literary personalities from Meghalaya, across India and abroad for three days of literary discussions, book launches and cultural exchanges.
Organised by the Tourism Department, Government of Meghalaya, the festival witnessed the participation of Booker Prize-winning authors Kiran Desai and Damon Galgut, along with prominent writers and thinkers from different parts of the world.
The inaugural programme began with the Chief Minister and Commissioner and Secretary of the Tourism Department, Dr. Vijay Kumar D., IAS, welcoming the distinguished guests and participants.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma highlighted the importance of balanced economic development, stating that Meghalaya is among the fastest-growing economies in the country.
He emphasised that economic progress must translate into meaningful benefits for the people, particularly young people seeking opportunities to develop their talents and pursue their aspirations. “While the economy moves, it must trickle down and impact the individuals who it’s meant to,” Sangma said.
Highlighting the significance of the Shillong Literary Festival in encouraging creativity and literary expression among young people, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the event would inspire aspiring writers across the state. “Through this lit fest, many of our youngsters will get opportunities and encouragement and motivation to start writing,” he said.
Sangma also spoke about the importance of preserving Meghalaya’s cultural heritage and traditional knowledge while pursuing modern development.
Referring to Meghalaya’s living root bridges and India’s nomination of the traditional structures for UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the Chief Minister highlighted the unique relationship between indigenous communities and nature. “Here we are not constructing, but we are weaving bridges,” he said.
He stressed that remaining connected to cultural traditions and community values was essential to ensuring that development did not come at the cost of identity. “Ensuring that we are connected to our roots is going to ensure that we as a society, as people, as a state, as a community, will not lose ourselves in the process of moving forward,” Sangma stated.
Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Commissioner and Secretary of Tourism Dr. Vijay Kumar D. credited the Chief Minister’s vision for the continued growth of the Shillong Literary Festival.
Recalling the Chief Minister’s aspiration to establish the event among the country’s leading literary festivals, he expressed confidence that the festival was progressing towards that objective. “Last year from this stage, the Chief Minister said that this festival should become one of the top five festivals in the country. Sir, I’d like to assure you that we are on track,” he said.
Dr. Vijay Kumar also highlighted tourism’s contribution to employment generation in Meghalaya, describing it as the state’s leading employment-generating sector. He said the participation of internationally acclaimed writers, including Booker Prize winners, was a source of inspiration and encouragement for literary enthusiasts and emerging authors.
Festival Curator Malavika Banerjee also addressed the gathering, highlighting the relationship between literature, personal experience and the changing world.
She observed that every author’s writing reflects both the times in which they live and their individual experiences. “This weekend, we will celebrate words and ideas, come rain, hail or shine,” Banerjee said.
The inaugural ceremony also witnessed the launch of new books by seven authors. The books released included Postcards from the Khasi Hills: Shillong and Beyond in Panorama by Daniel Challam, Adventures of a Peripheral Indian Diplomat by Rudy Warjri, Lal Thanhawla by Sanjoy Hazarika, The Rainbow I Named by Yadawanka Pala and Wad Shwa La Ka Tynrai by Streamlet Dkhar. Other releases included Choncho Momo and What Time Cannot Erase by Bijoya Sawian, and Hometown by Anjum Hasan.
The book launches provided a platform for writers from Meghalaya and beyond to present their literary works to readers and audiences attending the festival.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Booker Prize-winning author Kiran Desai expressed her admiration for the landscapes and cultural richness of Northeast India. “I feel as if I’ve waited all my 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,” Desai said.
She also expressed her interest in learning about the literary traditions of Meghalaya’s indigenous communities, particularly Khasi, Garo and Jaiñtia literature. “I come as a very eager student,” she added.
Fellow Booker Prize-winning author Damon Galgut also shared his experiences of drawing literary inspiration from India’s diverse landscapes, cultures and people. “The Indian landscapes and people and different cultures have sparked off my own creative impulses,” Galgut said.
Referring to the inaugural presentations and book launches, he expressed enthusiasm about participating in the Shillong Literary Festival. He observed that the diversity of authors and literary works presented during the opening programme reflected the festival’s creative character.
Padma Shri awardee Hally War also addressed the gathering and emphasised the importance of protecting and preserving cultural roots and traditional heritage.
The sixth Shillong Literary Festival will continue at Ward’s Lake until November 14, 2026, bringing together writers, thinkers and literary enthusiasts for discussions and exchanges celebrating literature, creativity and cultural identity.
