From Our Correspondent
TURA, Dec 3: The third edition of the Me’gong International Literary Festival opened on Wednesday at DC Park, Tura, celebrating A’chik literature, language, and cultural heritage. The two-day event is organised by the Department of Garo, NEHU Tura Campus, in collaboration with the A’chik Literature Society (ALS), Captain Williamson Sangma State University, and Don Bosco College.
Held under the theme “Cha’chriko rongrikangbo, Rongjanggiko rongsikangbo” (Preserving the roots, envisioning the future), this year’s festival seeks to honour the cultural legacy of the A’chik community while encouraging contemporary literary exploration.
Chief guest Sanjay A Sangma, Mahendraganj MLA and Adviser to the Department of Excise, inaugurated the festival. In his address, he underscored the crucial role of literature in sustaining cultural identity.
“Language is an essential link that connects people to their identity and heritage,” he said, urging writers—both seasoned and emerging—to increase their publication efforts. He noted that with only 22 languages currently recognized under the 8th Schedule of the Constitution, stronger literary output is key to securing national-level recognition for the A’chik language.
Sangma also expressed hopes that future editions of the festival will evolve into a larger global platform, drawing participation from renowned authors across international, national, and regional spheres.
In a nostalgic moment, the chief guest recalled an incident involving the late PA Sangma during a cultural programme in Bangladesh. Garo performers, he said, initially appeared in attire resembling that of the local community. Guided by PA Sangma, they later presented themselves in authentic Garo traditional clothing—a reminder of the importance of cultural pride and preservation, even on international stages.
The A’chik Literature Society presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Dr Titthue Cheran Momin for securing International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) for all future A’chik/Garo publications—a milestone achieved in April 2024 that enables systematic global cataloguing and distribution.
Three eminent scholars—Prof Milton S Sangma, Prof Caroline R Marak, and Prof Fameline K Marak—were also felicitated for their significant contributions to A•chik literature, culture, and academia.
Several major works were showcased during the event, including Ku’riping I and Birong Sika by Dr. Dorothy R Marak, Chokchimsa Bite by Changchang M Sangma, Nikchanga by Sengsime A Sangma, and official documentation of the Me•gong International Literary Festival (Edition II) by the Department of Garo.
Day one featured a lively literary interaction between Dr Colnat B Marak and Prof Caroline R Marak, followed by an Oral Renditions Session chaired by Melkior Chisim, featuring renowned folk performers Paljen T Sangma, Nikjrang Ch. Marak, and Preman Ch. Marak. The day also included seminars led by emerging writers and scholars.
The festival continues on Thursday.
