Nagaland: White Owl Literature Festival opens with focus on inclusivity

The third edition of The White Owl Literature Festival & Book Fair commenced Wednesday at Zone Niathu by the Park, Chümoukedima, under the theme “Celebrating Stories, Inspiring Minds.” Organised by Penguin Random House India (PRHI) in collaboration with The White Owl, the three-day literary celebration will conclude on February 7.
Addressing a press conference at the venue, organisers highlighted the distinctive features of this year’s edition, which marks the first time PRHI has partnered with a private entity to host a literature festival. PRHI Head of Communications, Pallavi Narayan, underscored that inclusivity and diversity of voices were central to the programming. “Each of our panelists has been carefully curated to represent ideas and commentary from varied backgrounds. We want the audience to take back thoughts and ideas,” she said.
Narayan clarified that the festival was not about promoting a single book, personality, or agenda but about serving the community. She described the festival’s unique selling proposition (USP) as being the only well-organised literature festival in Nagaland, rooted in an origin story where a mainstream publishing house sought to connect authentically with readers from the Northeast. She emphasized that the effort, investment, and outreach were focused on building a stronger, more representative community.
Responding to Narayan’s introduction of the festival as “on the way to becoming a cultural literary landmark in the Northeast,” PRHI AVP marketing and advisory council member at White Owl Literature Festival, Peter Modoli, said the festival was conceived to engage readers, promote the culture of reading, and create opportunities for meaningful interaction with authors.
Recalling the journey from the inaugural edition in 2024, Modoli noted that this year’s programming placed special emphasis on blending regional voices with authors from across the country. The inaugural edition featured 47 authors from across India and about 25 from the Northeast, while the second year expanded to nearly 70 national authors. This year, he informed, the representation has reached a balanced 50–50 mix of national and local voices, including regional celebrities and podcasters. He added that the festival has grown into a significant cultural event, with inclusivity now a defining feature of its programming.
Modoli stressed the need for greater public participation, pointing out that while the festival has grown significantly, attendance has yet to match other cultural events. He said the aim was not to promote books or branding but to build a community, provide platforms for discussion, and cultivate the habit of reading. Despite challenges, he emphasized that Penguin and White Owl remain committed to encouraging people to step out, engage, and share ideas.
Supporting Narayan’s view of the festival’s USP, Modoli highlighted Nagaland’s strong foundation in oral storytelling, passed down through generations, which has nurtured a wide base of readers and writers.
He noted that Penguin’s presence in the state offered local voices the opportunity to tell, document, and publish their stories. By the third edition, several authors from Nagaland have been signed with Penguin, giving their work the chance to reach audiences far beyond the region. He described this achievement as one of the festival’s most significant takeaways.
Reflecting on the festival’s evolution, PRHI executive editor and head of programming, White Owl Literature Festival, Deepti Talwar, said the event had developed a clearer grasp of subjects that interest its audience. She noted that surveys conducted after last year’s edition guided this year’s programming, ensuring sessions reflect themes that readers want to engage with.
Festival coordinator, Melvin Yhome, pointed out the biggest challenges faced in hosting the festival—logistics, given limited resources and accessibility in Nagaland, and programming, with difficulty in securing authors and topics audiences want. Despite these hurdles, he said the team has managed well, received strong responses, and valued Penguin’s support in making the event possible. This year’s programme includes discussions on Korean culture, podcasts, artificial intelligence, mental health, and more. Highlights feature Manga artwork presentations, oral storytelling sessions, and workshops including one for children curated by award-winning illustrator Canato Jimo. A Penguin session will provide insights on publishing, while another workshop will explore Manga’s creative process.
The line-up includes Sahitya Akademi awardee Easterine Kire, who will deliver the closing session, and keynote speaker Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty, president of the Press Club of India. Other notable participants include Dr. Tanaya Narendra (Dr. Cuterus), Merenla Imsong, Alobo Naga, Avantika Haflongbar and others.
Entry is free for students and Rs. 50 for others. Alongside panel discussions, the festival features a book fair, food court, and stalls showcasing local art and crafts. Organisers encouraged residents to attend, explore, and engage with the community.