The first Brahmaputra Literary Festival was inaugurated here today by Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal who said it would be a great platform for interaction and exchange of ideas between readers and litterateurs across the country and abroad.
Literature is the mirror of the society which reflects its strengths and weaknesses. It has the ability to transform the society, enables readers to ask questions, start conversations and look for answers in uncertain times, he said.
Sonowal said the literature of Assam and the Northeast must highlight Brahmaputra river. “The river personifies the essence of life which inspires many to create masterpieces Bhupen Hazarika through his timeless songs has portrayed the importance Brahmaputra holds in the life of the people of Assam,” the Chief Minister said.
He expressed hope that the three-day literary festival would inspire young writers of the state and the region through their interaction with eminent authors and litterateurs. Reading habit must be inculcated among children, Sonowal said.
Sixteen authors from 10 countries and some major writers from within this country are participating in the festival, the organizers said. Noted foreign participants are Randy Taguchi from Japan, Carlo Pizaati, Giampaolo Simi and Alessandra Bertini from Italy, Francois Gautier and Nicoloi Idier from France.
Prominent Indian writers include Damodar Mauzo, Subhash Kashyap, Makarand Paranjpe and Narendra Kohli, besides those from the North East region, they added.