KOKRAJHAR,FEB 1: The 4th edition of Kokrajhar Literary Festival begins from Saturday with a three-day vibrant celebration of literature and culture being held at the Bodofa Cultural Complex, located along the Gaurang River in Kokrajhar.
Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, inaugurated the festival in the presence of Pramod Boro, the chief executive member of Bodoland Territorial Region, Assam cabinet minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma,Dr Surath Narzary, Bodo Sahitya Sabha president.
This year’s festival theme is “Building Bridges of Peace through Literature and Culture,” emphasizing the role of literature in fostering unity and dialogue.
The event will witness the participation of 157 poets and writers from India and beyond, including 9 international literary figures from Denmark, Italy, Estonia, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Japan, Bhutan, and Nepal.
Additionally, 57 writers from different Indian states and 91 Assamese authors will contribute to the discussions and literary exchanges.
Throughout the three-day event, there will be 50 panel discussions covering a range of literary and cultural topics, offering a platform for meaningful discourse.
A special highlight of the festival will be “Poetry Evenings by the Fire,” an intimate and creative gathering held every evening, celebrating the beauty of poetry in a unique setting.
Longkumer stated that the literary festival is a platform where writers, authors and intellectuals are thronged.He has lauded the organisers and government of Bodoland Territorial Region,and hopeful that the festival is ushering of welfare and development of the society.
CEM of Bodoland Territorial Region, Pramod Boro said that the literary festival has began from Saturday in Kokrajhar with befitting programme scheduled.
” I’m delighted to attend the 4th Edition of the Kokrajhar Literary Festival, held from 1st to 3rd February 2025 at the Bodofa Cultural Complex, Kokrajhar. This year’s theme, “Bridging People, Cultures, and Literature with a Message of Peace,” resonated throughout the event, bringing together distinguished intellectuals and literary figures in a shared spirit of harmony. The grand festival of literary excellence was graced by 180 delegates from India and abroad, including representatives from six countries and around 30 community language speakers and writers. Their participation and insightful contributions will enrich the festival, making it a true confluence of diverse literary traditions”, Boro said.
” The presence of eminent scholars, poets, and authors, whose presence added immense depth to the ceremony, fostering rich exchanges on literature, language, and cultural heritage. Grateful to all the literary stalwarts whose presence and wisdom elevated this celebration of literature and culture. Events like these reaffirm the power of words in fostering peace, unity”, Boro added.
Among others, Prof. Anil Boro, Chairperson of the Organising Committee; Shri Dipen Boro, President, ABSU; Prof. Kumud Sharma, Vice President, Sahitya Akademi; Shir Damodor Mauzo, Jnanpeeth Awardee ; and Mrinal Talukdar, Senior Journalist were present in the event.
