The three-day second edition of Literature Festival and Book Fair organised by White Owl in partnership with Penguin began at Zone Niathu by the Park, Chümoukedima on Monday.
The event brings together reputed authors, writers and artistes from across India, along with renowned storytellers from the Northeast, to inspire, imagine and inscribe the future
Speaking at the launch Monday, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio described the festival as more than just a gathering of literary minds, but a celebration of stories, ideas, and the rich culture that defined the great nation.
He described the authors as not just writers, “but ambassadors of heritage, custodians of narratives” passed down through generation. Rio said they carried the weight of their lineage, the voices of their ancestors, and the stories of the people. In every word they wrote, he said they wove together the past and future, ensuring that the cultural identity of their communities remained alive and flourish.
Rio highlighted the power of literature to unite societies and inspire growth while addressing a literary festival. Commending the event’s spirit of inclusivity, Rio said it brought voices from across India together, fostering unity and mutual understanding.
He emphasized that Nagaland, often called the “Land of Festivals,” celebrated not only culture but also literature, which broadens minds, cultivates empathy, and pushes creative boundaries.
Rio stressed that literature possesses the power to shape societies, bridge divides, and inspire change. He urged people to honor this power and use it responsibly to inspire future generations.
Reflecting on Nagaland’s relatively young educational journey, dating back just a century and a half, Rio recalled the establishment of a library supported by Penguin Library as a “blessing” for the state, especially benefiting students eager to learn.
He encouraged the youth to actively pursue knowledge, asserting that education knows no bounds. Rio expressed hope that such literary platforms would motivate individuals to excel, ultimately bringing glory to Naga society. He called upon everyone to embrace learning as a tool for growth and progress.
Speaking on the occasion, at the second edition of the Literature Festival and Book Fair, Festival Director Viketuno Rio emphasized the transformative power of literature to unite, inspire, and drive change.
She shared the challenges her team faced in curating the event, particularly in selecting a theme that captured the festival’s spirit. Initially centered around the literary fundamentals of listening, reading, and writing, the theme evolved into “Inspire, Imagine, Inscribe,” reflecting the festival’s broader vision.
Viketuno encouraged participants to immerse themselves in the literary journey-listening attentively, reading widely, and writing purposefully. She also announced the launch of the festival’s Zero Waste Initiative, in partnership with waste management firm Greenguard, underscoring sustainability efforts.
Highlighting the festival’s commitment to social causes, she mentioned a charity 5-km run on February 8, which drew over 200 participants to support children with disabilities, and a charity concert on February 17-18 to promote inclusivity.
A dedicated children’s programme focusing on mental health, inclusivity, and folklore was introduced, with Viketuno expressing gratitude to Penguin Random House India as the title sponsor and other partners.
Reflecting on the festival’s evolution from a small bookstore and library to a platform hosting over 70 speakers and thousands of participants, she emphasized that small beginnings often lead to remarkable outcomes. Viketuno also urged attendees to recognize the impact of seemingly simple acts-listening to a speaker, reading a book, or writing a story-as each could inspire change and shape communities.
Following the formal opening, the festival kicked off with a panel discussion titled “Roots in Transit: Reimagining Identity, Preserving Indigeneity,” moderated by Theyie Keditsu.
Panelists Mamang Dai, Chingmak Kejong Chang, and Sanjoy Hazarika reflected on the evolving relationship between cultural identity, land, and modernity. They stressed the importance of preserving indigenous traditions while adapting to contemporary challenges, warning of threats posed by globalization to indigenous ways of life and environmental sustainability.
Another engaging session, “First Pages: The Debut Writer’s Journey,” moderated by Durjoy Dutta, featured authors Gargi Rawat, Daribha Lyndem, and Subi Taba. They highlighted the significance of perseverance in the publishing process, stepping beyond comfort zones, and valuing one’s cultural background in storytelling.
Additional sessions included “The 1983 Legacy: Cricket, Heroes, and India’s Obsession,” “The Future of Work: Culture, Generations, and AI,” and “Words Across Worlds: Literature and Storytelling.” Day 1 also saw a book launch and a special children’s session on mental health and emotional awareness.
Earlier, the inauguration of the North-East’s largest literary festival commenced with a welcome note by the emcee, a dedicatory prayer led by Pastor Visato Yhoshü, a musical performance by Koko Savino, and an introduction of the panelists by the emcee.
This year’s festival showcases a diverse range of activities, including a literary conference featuring some of India’s leading authors, a dedicated children’s zone with interactions with notable children’s book writers, live reading sessions, panel discussions, a charity concert supporting individuals with special needs, and a 5-km charity run aimed at raising awareness for the same cause.