By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Shillong Calm Creative Arts Literature and Music festival which kicked off here in the city on Thursday will go a long way in exhibiting the hidden talent of the Shillong youths who well talented in different fields.
A group of journalists on Thursday spoke to eminent personalities and authors who are taking part the festival and sought their opinions about the festival.
Former Cabinet Minister cum author RG Lyngdoh while expressing his happiness over the festival said that this kind of events would allow the youths to showcase their talents besides allowing them to release their frustrations in a more productive way.
Former IAS officer turned social activist Toki Blah was also full of praises for the festival and asserted that festivals like this would encourage youths to exhibit their talent.
Jug Suraiya, columnist of The Times of India termed the festival as a great stress buster as the festival induces a sense of calmness. “We live in a hectic age especially if you are a media person and festivals like this are greater stress busters,” he said
Ananya Guha, who is currently heading the IGNOU Institute For Vocational Education & Training Shillong was of the opinion that the festival would promote creativity and encourage young people as youths from the regions requires lot of exposure.
Another famous author Anubav Pal stressed on the fact that literature was a universal idea even as he expressed his happiness over the fact that a large number of people came out to participate in the event.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal said that the district administration through this initiative is trying to give a platform to local youths in the field of music, arts and literature.
Short Story Writer cum poet Temsula Ao termed the festival as ‘unique’ since it does not confine only to artists and writers but it is also catching on important social issues like Old age.
Another Indian author cum translator and columnist Mitra Phukan who is participating in the event is over the moon as she feels delighted to come back to her home town.
The online editor of Thumbprint Contemporary news magazine Teresa Rehman stressed on the need for more similar events in the region.