Acclaimed author Vikram Seth set to headline event
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 11: The lawns around Ward’s Lake have been draped in pink shamiyanas for the Shillong Literary Festival from November 18-20.
Cyril Diengdoh, the Director of Tourism, explained the choice of the venue. “Ward’s Lake provides a unique, iconic setting with its cherry blossoms, adding an authentic Shillong touch,” he told The Shillong Times on Monday.
He said the lake will offer a serene atmosphere where stories, poetry, and performances can come alive against the backdrop of blooming cherry trees.
Since its inception, the Shillong Literary Festival has aimed to establish itself as a premier event. The organisers are taking it a notch higher this year.
“The Shillong Literary Festival has grown in strength year by year, making a name for itself as a prominent literary event,” Diengdoh said, adding that the festival’s core mission is to nurture a literary culture in Meghalaya and provide a platform for local authors.
“Beyond branding Shillong, the festival intends to offer a space for local authors, budding writers, and students to connect with renowned authors,” he said.
This year, the festival will showcase big names alongside emerging writers. Notable in the line-up is author Vikram Seth, whose rare appearance in Shillong intends to be a milestone.
Known for works like A Suitable Boy and The Golden Gate, Seth’s presence adds considerable weight to the festival. “He was a hard catch, but we managed it. Vikram Seth is the big ticket,” Diengdoh said.
The festival will also host Shobhaa De and Jerry Pinto, alongside the Turkish Ambassador to India, Fırat Sunel who is a writer and poet and will deliver the closing keynote address.
One of the festival’s highlights this year is its focus on regional literature. With Khasi and Garo languages vying for inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, the festival will feature panel discussions that explore and celebrate these languages.
“We are highlighting vernacular literature with panel discussions on Khasi and Garo given the fact that we are pushing their inclusion in the eighth schedule of the constitution,” Diengdoh said.
He underscored the long-term vision for the Shillong Literary Festival. “We envision building a network of curators and developing more events leading up to the festival,” he said.
Part of this plan includes holding smaller book readings, launches, and literary events throughout Shillong in the future.
Diengdoh hopes such events will create a year-round culture of reading and discussion that reaches well beyond the main festival dates.
While the focus remains on literature, the festival will see Usha Uthup, known for her unique style and powerful voice, perform on November 19 as part of the ‘Lakeside Melody’ concert.
She will also participate in a discussion, bringing her cultural insights to the event.
“While the focus is on literature, we embrace interdisciplinary elements, integrating performances and music,” Diengdoh noted, acknowledging how such acts draw in a diverse crowd and deepen the festival’s appeal.
In a special collaboration with the English Department of the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), the festival has invited university students to join the sessions and engage with authors.
“We aim for a blend of local and national authors, enhancing the festival’s diverse offerings,” Diengdoh said.
NEHU’s involvement is expected to allow the students to learn from accomplished authors, enrich their literary perspectives, and connect with mentors.
Adding to the festivities, the closing event will feature a performance of Mamma Mia, the popular musical based on ABBA’s songs, by students of St. Edmund’s College. The choice of a closing with a musical underlines the festival’s inclusive approach, appealing to audiences beyond strict literary circles.
In the long run, the plans for the festival include placing the Shillong Literature Festival on par with established events like the Bangalore Literature Festival and the Kolkata Literary Meet. “In five years, we aspire to reach the league of major lit fests like Bangalore and Kolkata, becoming a premier literary destination,” Diengdoh said.