ITANAGAR, Nov 28: The first ever Literature Festival of Arunachal Pradesh began on a promising note witnessing thousands of eager participants from all walks of life at Dorjee Khandu Convention Centre, IG Park Itanagar today.
Attending the programme as the Chief Guest, Minister IPR, RWD and Parliamentary Affairs, Bamang Felix expressed his privilege to be amidst renowned literary luminaries of the country and expressed hope that their presence will give a fillip and impetus to the budding writers of the state and inspire them to become good and well known writers and poets.
“The main objective of the Lit Fest is not only to create awareness on importance of literature but to build a truly enlightened society and encourage reading culture among the youths and also to provide a platform for the upcoming writers to interact with their favourite authors,” said the Minister.
He hoped that such interactions with eminent writers will inspire them to hone their creative writing skills. He informed that the State Government under visionary Chief Minister Pema Khandu is leaving no stone unturned to ensure balanced growth in all spheres. He also informed that this government encourages the growth of young minds by providing scholarships from time to time to foster their love for literature. He further encouraged the budding writers and research students to diligently attend the technical sessions and learn from their knowledge and experience.
Chief Secretary Satya Gopal expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response received from the eminent and emerging writers and poets from all over the country in this one of its own kind Arunachal Literature Festival 2018 organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations. He stressed that there is a dire need to preserve our indigenous tribal culture and tradition through literature which is presently limited to oral traditions in tribal society. He hoped that the event will provide a platform to local authors and poets to interact with the eminent writers and poets and provide information about the rich literature of the North East region and create awareness on importance of literature among the youths of our state. ‘I am sure that the vibrant meaningful deliberations and conversations with the eminent personalities from across the country over the period of three days will provide the much required inspiration and encouragement to our young writers and readers,’ he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Padmashree Mamang Dai expressed joy at the initiative of the State Government in providing a platform to the budding writers and poets to interact with renowned writers and poets from across the country. She wished for a permanent platform for such interactions and discourse to hone young brains and encourage development of literature in the state. She also dealt in length about the rich culture and tradition of the state. Himanshu Gupta, Special Secretary IPR while giving the vote of thanks expressed his gratitude to all the participants for making the event a grand success.

The 1st technical session was chaired by YD Thongchi with Yater Nyokir, Dr. Fameline Marak, T.T Lepcha and Karma Choki as Panelist on the topic Literature from the North East wherein Lepcha, Bhutia, Garo and Arunachal literature were discussed in detail.
The 2nd technical session was chaired by Dhruba Hazarika and Damodar Mauzo, Mridula Garg, Ravi Singh and Nilim Kumar as Panelists on the topic, New Earths: Imagining Future Enclosure and Commons. The panelists unanimously agreed on the point that language should be left free and allowed to prosper.
After each technical session, the house was open for questionnaires and discussions.
Later in the evening, an informal discussion was held which included conversations between Mitra Phukan, Damodar Mauzo, Y.D.Thongchi in the first session and Srutimala Duara, Mamang Dai and Dhruba Hazarika in the second session followed by book signing sessions.
The Arunachal Literature festival is an initiative of the department of IPR to create awareness on importance of literature and throw light on eminent writers and poets including emerging writers. The event will facilitate interface between local authors and prominent authors. Renowned publishers like Penguin, Lawyers Book Store Guwahati, Zubaan Books, the Department of Research, GoAP has also put up book exhibition.
Commissioners, Secretaries, HoDs and a host of other dignitaries and intellectuals, research students, writers, poets and students participated in the event.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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