Guwahati, Feb 18: The Literary Forum of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, in association with the Department of English & IQAC of the University, has organized an interactive session called “Meet the Author” at the NKC auditorium here yesterday. Renowned writer, translator, and columnist Mitra Phukan was the resource person for this most engaging literary session.
The session began with the felicitation of the guest, followed by a beautiful chorus presented by the students. After the welcome address delivered by Dr Mitali Goswami, Head of the Department of English,a lively discussion on the art of writing took place. It was moderated by Dr Sukanya Kashyap and Shri Arkupal Ra Acharya.
Addressing the students, MsPhukan stated that writing to her is like catharsis, an expression, a reflection of what she sees and upon reflecting on her works, wherein she finds peace. She compared creativity to a slog, stating thatwhen Michelangelo was chiseling, it was a slog, but what turned later as a result is rather a history.
It’s not merely writing that has creativity in it; the immense revisions have creativity too for it to
bloom into such amazing pieces of work. Editing, too, is a result of creativity. She enlightened the participants about translations and encouraged every student to engage at least once in creative translations that usher freedom and responsibility. The session was adorned with some beautiful self-composed poems in Assamese and English by student poets of the Department.
The author Mitra Phukanalso read a piece of her favourite character from her work,“A Full Night’s Thievery”. This session was an exposure for every student with a firsthand experience and interaction with the guest author and a better understanding of what goes into writing a short story or a novel and how to build the bridgebetween the inner and the outside world. The session closed with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Kabita Ghosh.