The second edition of Brahmaputra Literary Festival got underway at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati on Friday. Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal formally inaugurated the three-day literary event which is jointly organized by the National Book Trust, India and Publication Board, Assam.
“Literature is the bedrock of any civilization. It is through books that the richness of any civilization percolates down to the future generations. Considering the immense power of literature, we want our youth to dedicate more on literary and cultural activities. This literary event is not just a festival. This is our investment for a strong and vibrant future,” Sonowal said.
He further hoped that the festival would open new opportunities of intellectual exchange for the youth and guide them in the art of creative writing. “This intellectual exchange will definitely inspire our youth, encourage new ideas and promote the habit of reading amongst them,” the CM added.
The CM urged the writers to focus more on the pressing issues of modern times such as climate change, degenerating ethical and human values, power of cooperation, harmony and peaceful co-existence so that such literatures could positively cultivate the mind and contribute in building a better society. “Literature of the region must also highlight our relation with the ASEAN since the days of the Ramayana and Mahabharata to entrench the ties,” he said.
Sonowal also urged the writers to focus more on literary translation. “Translation of literary works would introduce us to hitherto unknown dimensions of human thought and exchange of ideas. The Assamese literature would also be highly benefitted from such an exercise,” the CM said.
Eminent scholar Indra Nath Choudhri and chairman of National Book Trust Baldev Bhai Sarma while delivering their speech on the occasion highlighted the role played by literature in promoting heritage, tradition and ethical values as well as its inspirational role in social life as a whole.
A host of activities including seminars, discussions and interactive sessions have been scheduled in the event.
