For the first time, two giant publishers – the Penguin Random House India and Cambridge University Press- will be hosting a literature festival in the Northeast in collaboration with The White Owl at Chümoukedima, Nagaland.
The White Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair, a two-day celebration of literature, culture, and community will be held from February 9–10, 2024, at the Zone Niathu by The Park in Chümoukedima, Nagaland. “Bringing together a unique blend of local and global literary influences, the festival promises to be a pioneering event in a region known for its avid readership, steeped in rich historical and cultural heritage,” stated an post update by The White Owl in its website.
“Nagaland, along with the other northeastern states of India, is a vibrant tapestry of storytelling. Literature, oral and now written, has kept us grounded in our roots and given us the ability to collaborate with other strengths. Penguin and Cambridge University Press, as partners, will enable this one-of-a-kind event in the region to reach out to a wider audience and invite new and fresh interest in the Northeast,” stated Viketuno Rio, Festival Director and proprietor of The White Owl. Rio also expressed that the White Owl Literature Festival is her most ambitious venture. A vision that started with the book lounge now sees fruition in the form of a grand literary event.
Themed ‘Echoes of Narratives’, the Festival will celebrates the Northeast’s history, culture and geography. It also boasts of an engaging, educational, and entertaining programme which will cover myriad topics, ranging from the legacy of Northeast India to the world of graphic novels, commercial fiction, and discussions on the economy, environment and wellness. The festival also offers something for every literary taste, featuring bestselling and illustrious authors and prominent personalities such as Vivek Shanbagh, Taslima Nasrin, Sarnath Banerjee, Durjoy Dutta, Viju B., Vasudha Rai, Nikhil Gulati, and Lavanya Karthik. It will also witness the representation of the local voice with eminent authors such as Mmhonlumo Kikon, Avinuo Kire, Shelmi Sankhil, and many more.
According to Gaurav Shrinagesh, CEO, India, SEA, and MENA, Penguin Random House, this is the first time that Penguin is organizing a literature festival in the Northeast. “Our publishing house has been actively curating a powerful portfolio of writing from the region and We take immense pride in our list of books and voices that we publish. This festival is a perfect way to pay homage to one of the richest literary hubs in our country. With The White Owl as our local partner, we are confident that this festival will attract an array of readers to provide them an opportunity to engage with authors,” added the CEO.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Expressing enthusiasm about the upcoming festival in Nagaland, Arun Rajamani, Managing Director, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, South Asia, considered the festival an important initiative not only for the state of Nagaland but also for the entire northeast region- “To encourage more literary work, foster academic research, and empower more thought leaders from this region to address global problems such as climate change. Partnering with The White Owl Literature Festival further amplifies our mission of unlocking the potential and growth of over 10 million learners in South Asia, in alignment with the global vision of impacting lives, creating a better society and a planet for tomorrow,” stated Rajamani.
The White Owl Literature Festival will also host a book fair showcasing publishers and distributors from across the country to present and sell their diverse collection of books covering a variety of genres to readers of all ages. For younger audience, the festival will conduct workshops and dedicated play areas, creating an interactive and educational space for children. The festival aims to foster a love for literature and learning from an early age.
The entry fee is slated at Rs.50. The Festival also offers rree entry for school and college students with official student identification.
