Tura, Nov 28: The 2nd edition of the Tura Me’gong International Literary Festival took off on a colorful note here at the Tura DC Park on Wednesday with a host of education professionals and authors participating.
Meghalaya Education Minister, Rakkam A Sangma opened the Festival in the presence of government MLAs, bureaucrats, Members of A’chik Literature Society, Special Invitee from Bangladesh, Tripura, Karbi Anglong, Assam, and students of NEHU, Tura Campus.
The objective of the literary fest is to highlight the Language, Literature and Culture of the Garos. The programme was organized by the Department of Garo, NEHU, Tura Campus in collaboration with A’chik Literature Society and Don Bosco College, Tura.
Expressing his gratitude to the organizers and contributors for the Literary Festival, Meghalaya Education Minister, Rakkam A Sangma said that preserving the language and literature of the Garos is necessary for the future generations. Stating a quoted text from one of the book he read which says, “The objective of the present generation is not to consume the resources of today but it is to conserve for the generations to come”, he said that it is the responsibility of each one of us to contribute and pass on the knowledge and wisdom for the benefit of the future generations.
The Minister also urged the members of Literature Society to encourage and motivate especially the youth to learn and give importance to Garo language, literature and culture and added that writing is a medium by which we can pass on the knowledge and preserve for future generations. Expressing his appreciation for the rich culture and traditions of the Garos, he said that languages of the sub-tribes also need to be preserved since they are on the verge of extinction. Emphasizing on the importance of reading, he said that when a person reads, he is investing and thereby gaining more knowledge and understanding and can become a better person in future.
Speaking on the occasion as Guest of Honour, Member of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Rangsakhona Assembly Constituency, Subir M Marak mentioned that attending the Literary festival had enabled him to learn a different kind of experience and hoped that this festival inspire more writers to the platform and take it to greater heights in future.
Delivering his keynote address, Principal, Don Bosco College, Tura highlighted the importance of literature, language and culture as well as to preserve the rich heritage of the Garos. He further mentioned that writing and thinking have more influence on people and quoted “Pen is mightier than the Sword”. Further, mentioning about the culture and traditions of our forefathers, he said that one should follow and preserve the practices of our forefathers.
In the technical session, by Dr. Tharsush K Sangma, Mr. Kroshnil D Sangma presented their Paper presentations while Mr. Ladipson Sangma, Invitee from Karbi Anglong, Assam, Dr. Tharsush K Sangma, Invitee from Goalpara Assam, Mr. Liang Ritchil, Invitee from Bangladesh, Mr. Traibin Marak, Invitee from Tripura were the Panel Members for Panel Discussion on the topic “Language, Literature and Culture of the Garos”.
Earlier, the Chief Guest along with other dignitaries released books on Indo-Bangla Cultural Youth Camp Documentation by Associate Professor, Don Bosco College, Tura Barbara S Sangma and Collection of Poetry entitled Gisikni Kubirong Bak II by Associate Professor, Tura Government College, Rhinkle M Marak.
The second day of the festival would highlight the Conversations with Garo Authors, Special Talks on Contributions of Literature (Poetry) and Environmental issues with Apurbo M Marak, Regional Director, Caritas Mymensingh Region, Bangladesh, Rev. Dr. Wetterfield R Marak, Retd. Pastor, Tura Baptist Church, Rev. Fr (Dr.) Jogesh B Sangma, Principal, Don Bosco Junior college, Tura, Special Presentations on Folklore and Education, Poetry Presentation and Discussion on Folklore Project.
