A renowned writer, author and translator Bijoya Sawian (BS), has been recently honoured in the 3rd edition of Aalekh Foundation Women Achievers’ Awards for her contribution in literature and efforts towards preserving and promoting Khasi literature. Sawian is one of the 20 women to be selected from all over the country, and was honoured with this national recognition on July 19 at The Leela Palace in New Delhi.
Sawian’s works have been hailed for its lucid and lyrical eloquence with great attention to detail based on the Khasi Hills.
The award acknowledges exceptional women selected from across the country for their transformative work and impact in diverse fields and thus, recognises Sawian’s outstanding contribution through her evocative storytelling and deep engagement with the heritage of the Khasi people. Her acclaimed translations such as The Teachings of Elders and The Main Ceremonies of the Khasis have preserved invaluable oral traditions, while her fiction works like Shadow Men and Hill Songs of Love and Longing offer lyrical and sensitive portrayals of life in the Khasi Hills.
Her writings have also been lauded for bridging geographies and generations, bringing the rich cultural and socio-political history of the North East into the national literary consciousness. Taking note of this, Sunday Shillong exchanged a fruitful round of questions and answers with her. Excerpts are as follows:
SS: Congratulations on your most recent accolade – Women Achievers’ Award. Take us through your thoughts.
BS: I felt so elated for Meghalaya because the rest of the country will now get interested in a different aspect altogether – culture and tradition.
SS: How does it feel to be among 20 women selected across the country for this prestigious award?
BS: I am filled with gratitude and humbled.I know so many others who are doing even more.
SS: Who/what is your inspiration behind your journey as a writer/author?
BS: I think Mother Nives, my English teacher in Loreto Convent. She was so appreciative of my essays. Appreciation and encouragement are important in the growth and future of a child.
SS: Who is/are your favourite authors and why?
BS: I have no favourite authors, only favourite books! Once I have read the best book of an author,I move on.
SS: As a writer, how do you handle the writer’s block?
BS: It is, undoubtedly, a daunting period. A few hours in complete silence and solitude helps.
SS: What is the most difficult part about writing?
BS: Writing is not difficult but, yes, getting the perfect opening line, the first sentence, which will unfold the narrative takes time. Sometimes weeks!
SS: How long does it take you to write a book?
BS: Actually the story is usually in my head for months before I write it down so it doesn’t take time. It’s the fine tuning that takes time.
SS: Which one among your many works is your favourite and why?
BS: I think the biography of my father is a favourite. I learnt a lot as I wrote it through my research and the information and documents my siblings provided. Most of all, I stumbled on the most heartening discovery that I am a daughter of a good human being.
SS: Why do you think stories/writings/books on cultural narratives about people in the north east are more important today than it ever was?
BS: The revival of culture has to come.It was just a question of time.What bothers me is this alarming trend of dividing people through religion and culture.This has to stop.
SS: As a Khasi, indigenous woman, what are your views on the shift in perceptions about the north east, its people and the culture?
BS: As a Khasi and a thinking human being I strongly recommend that people first concentrate on Ethics and Etiquette. Unless you are educated enough to know what is right and what is wrong you are in trouble. Etiquette for us is not merely social grace but a form of worship.That was the beauty of our society -now almost gone.These two are part of the Khasi culture. Culture and Religion are two sides of the same coin.
SS: Your collection of short stories, ‘Hill Songs of Love and Longing’, is on the Valley of Words Long List for Best Fiction 2025. What makes that book so special?
BS: What is so special about the short stories is that I could let my imagination fly! Grateful that for once the reviews have got it right.The collection is special because it articulates love as a momentary, fleeting moment that must be celebrated.Affection can last forever not love.It is too intense .
I loved writing each story inspired by real life encounters – a meeting, a look, an incident or even a dream. In each story, I have woven in some aspect of the Khasi way of life, the landscape and mindscape.They are all stories of different types of love, fleeting moments, never permanent.
SS: Why do you think the literary circles in Shillong, despite its rich cultural inheritance, is almost nil?
BS: Here in Shillong, someone erudite with a high EQ must start a Book Club.I am willing to help if someone is willing. Book clubs should have readings, talks and discussions on the writings of the young, which should eventually be published. Somewhere, sometime, a solution will be found.
SS: In an age of social media and AI, what would you tell the youth about reading and the sacredness of books?
BS: AI should not be allowed in schools especially in creative activities.Making children read books is an uphill task but it’s not impossible.Teachers and parents have to genuinely feel that reading is important.That’s the first step.
SS: What message would you like to convey to the youth?
BS: My message to the youth is please write your stories.They are important documents of the turbulent times we are going through and only you can record them. Also, I am sad and concerned to see so many young people on drugs, roaming certain areas and accepted as part of the street scene.
SS: What are some of your upcoming projects or any exciting future plans?
BS: Looking forward to the publication of My Three Mothers – a book on my mother and her sisters and their impact on my life
Also, and even more, I am looking forward to talking about The Teachings of Elders and The Main Ceremonies of the Khasis at two major literature festivals in the next six months.
—End of Interview—
The Aalekh Foundation Women Achievers’ Awards is a flagship initiative that celebrates women who have not only broken barriers in their respective fields but have also contributed meaningfully to society, culture, and nation-building.
Speaking ahead of the event, Dr. Rennie Joyy, Founder of the Aalekh Foundation, said:
“Bijoya Sawian’s work is a quiet revolution in literature — restoring dignity, voice, and visibility to stories that often go unheard. At Aalekh, we are proud to honour women like her who shape narratives, nurture legacies, and remind us of the power of words to preserve and transform.”
We couldn’t agree more.
(Interviewed by Esha Chaudhuri)