The Forgotten Folklore Project

While the Shillong Literary Festival primarily aspires to celebrate and promote the region's rich and fine literary archives through literary discussions and engaging sessions, like every other year, it is also informed by a vivid range of activities that produce infotainment throughout the event.

For this edition, too, various activities have been curated to render a wide and holistic experience of literary excellence along with an entertaining dais. The festival has partnered with The Forgotten Folklore Project, a Shillong-based creative initiative with a deep affinity for promoting literature and reading culture among children.

The Forgotten Folklore Project is an initiative by the Sauramandala Foundation, an NGO established to foster development in rural and inaccessible communities. The project aspires to curate, digitize, and document Indigenous stories, such as folktales and tales of history and origin, from these communities to act as localized AV content for the Anganwadis and schools in the state of Meghalaya and/or well-illustrated books in print. These stories are informed by values, morals, knowledge, culture, and traditional ways of living, and exciting animated visuals and activities execute them.  For this year’s edition, two interactive corners will be designated for the festival: one will showcase activities of interest to children, and the other will be oriented toward the youth.

Kids’ Corner:

A miscellany of exciting activities focused on cognitive and intellectual development shall institute this corner throughout the day while also incorporating elements of great fun and thrill for the tiny tots:

  1. Storytelling sessions to encourage the younglings into the art of reading and sharing stories through exciting narratives.
  2. Action songs to stimulate them physically while also creating the art of sharing narratives.
  3. Drawing Activity (colouring corner and art display board): This is an exciting and colourful activity that will expand the kids' horizons through visual arts.
  4. Face Painting: another expression of creativity while inculcating an incredible sense of style and vigour.
  5. Jaiñsem, Dakmanda Draping Activity to enable the younglings connect to their indigenous roots by embracing their cultural attire.
  6. Entertaining Games: bouncy castles, balloon games, and spoon and marble games for fun and thrill.
  7. Cognitive developing activities: Beads, buttons, or blocks for sorting and counting. Shapes and colours match and identify. Puzzles, colourful rocks, Building Block. Shape and Color Matching: Having shapes and colors for children to match promotes recognition and classification skills.
  8. Physical Domain Activities Ring Toss Game: Setting up of a game using rings and cones. This activity promotes hand-eye coordination, aim, and body control.

Youths Corner:
The Youth Corner will offer a dynamic space for young people to engage with literature, explore diverse reading materials, and immerse themselves in the art of poetry. This initiative will inspire creativity, cultivate a passion for storytelling, and nurture the next generation of literary voices through interactive activities, live readings, and competitions. By connecting youths with literature in an accessible and vibrant environment, The Corner will empower them to develop their own writing skills, fostering a lifelong love for reading and the arts.

The corner shall entail the following activities:

1. Short story writing session:  A session of writing short stories with a given picture followed by a Read a Loud Session to see various interpretations of the same picture shall be conducted, followed by a 20-minute writing session. This session shall be open to all.

2. Poetry Writing Competition: A poetry writing competition at the Shillong Literary Festival will provide youth with a platform to express their creativity, explore their emotions, and sharpen their writing skills. It will encourage self-reflection, build confidence, and foster community among young poets. By celebrating their voices, the competition will inspire a deeper appreciation for poetry, nurturing the next generation of literary talent in Shillong.

3. Freestyle Art Activity:
The "Free Style Art + Art Display Board" is an activity where anyone can join and paint. It's a painting competition and a fun way to show art to others.
Participants can use different art supplies, such as paints, brushes, and paper, which will be provided. They can paint anything they like—there is no set topic, so people are free to be as creative as they want. Everyone can express themselves, whether it’s a picture that tells a story, something abstract, or something inspired by local culture.
Once they finish their artwork, participants can put it up on a big display board at the event. This will let visitors see and enjoy the artwork, sparking conversations and appreciation for the artists' talent.

4. Eco Ri Craft Workshop: The corner will also feature sustainability and creativity through a fun workshop conducted by Eco Ri, an initiative that turns plastic waste into unique items. They’ll have their own corner at the event, hosting a 1-2 hour workshop where attendees can learn to upcycle plastic waste into creative, functional pieces. This hands-on activity will inspire eco-friendly habits and show the potential of repurposing everyday waste.

5. Art in VR: Turbit (Virtual Reality Design & Experience) will hold a special exhibition of art through Virtual Reality.
6. Open Mic session:  Participants can speak about their favorite books, authors, or personal experiences and journeys related to reading and storytelling.
The event aims to be informal and engaging, welcoming both seasoned speakers and those new to public speaking. It’s a great chance for attendees to express their thoughts, share stories, or simply listen and connect with others with a passion for literature. Whether someone wants to recommend a beloved book, talk about how an author has inspired them, or share their own story related to reading, this Open Mic session is a space for voices and stories to be heard.

Additionally, the festival shall also feature a Pottery corner.
This corner will be set up in the coffee area to display miniature Larnai pottery and the The Forgotten Folklore Project book “Happy Hands” about Larnai pottery. This setup will help people learn more about Meghalaya pottery and its rich heritage in making crafts.

Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project

The Shillong Literary Festival will also celebrate the region's rich musical heritage and vibrant rock culture by featuring live musical performances that showcase the diverse sounds of Meghalaya. These performances will highlight traditional Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo music alongside Shillong’s thriving contemporary rock scene, offering a unique fusion of the old and new. Partnering with the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, which will provide the stage and talented local artists, the festival will create an immersive cultural experience. This collaboration ensures that music, as an integral part of Shillong’s identity, will play a central role in the festival, fostering a deeper connection between literature, music, and the region's cultural legacy.

With its rich musical heritage, Meghalaya stands at a crossroads, especially in Shillong—once dubbed India's Rock Capital. As new genres emerge, there’s a pressing need for grassroots platforms that allow budding musicians to nurture their talent and carry forward this musical legacy.
The Meghalaya Grassroots Project provides platforms to sustain artists, technical vendors, and event firms and enrich the experience for tourists, bringing vibrant musical entertainment to our streets, cafes, and clubs. Street performances, a thriving income source globally, need to be more utilized here. The project aims to dismantle the barriers preventing local artists from embracing this model, drawing inspiration from icons like Ed Sheeran and Joni Mitchell, who started in intimate settings. The goal is establishing a regular schedule, fostering a sustainable environment for artists, and providing captivating entertainment for residents and visitors alike. Since its inception, while being a great source of entertainment and musical delight, the project has testified to an incredible audience, music artists, and an ambience filled with inspiring talents and voices that shall render great pride to the state in the future.

Bikashrai Debbarma

Bikashrai Debbarma is a prominent litterateur and composer from Tripura, known for his contributions to literature in the Tripuri language and his efforts to promote the rich heritage of the Tripuri community in India. Hailing from Tripura, Debbarma's work often reflects the complexities of identity, tradition, and contemporary issues faced by Indigenous communities.

Bikashrai Debbarma’s work not only enriches the Tripuri literary landscape but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the region's diverse cultural heritage. His compositions have been sung by renowned Kokborok singers and music in films and dramas. His 2021 poetry 'Tutankhamun ni Pyramid' won the Doulat Ahmed Award for best publication in the year 2022.

Recently, Debbarma and renowned playwright Nanda Kumar Debbarma recently compiled 'Chirik Morok' an anthology of Kokborok poetry. Chirik Morok is set to be the new benchmark in this genre of Kokborok literature.

Bikashrai Debbarma is also the president of Kokborok Sahitya Sabha (KBSS), an advisory member of the Kokborok Department, TTAADC, and the President of Roman Script for Kokborok Choba (RSKC).

Shobhaa De

Shobha De is a renowned Indian author, columnist, and socialite. She graduated from St. Xavier's College in Mumbai and began her career as a model and then as a journalist. Her foray into writing fiction started in the 1990s, and she quickly gained fame for her novels, which often delve into the lives of the urban elite, relationships, and the complexities of modern life. Some of her notable works include ‘Socialite Evenings’ (1988), ‘Starry Nights’ (1991), and ‘One Night @ The Call Centre’ (2005). In addition to her fiction, Shobhaa De is a prolific columnist, contributing to leading newspapers and magazines. Her columns often address social issues, politics, and lifestyle topics, and she is known for her bold opinions and engaging commentary.

Shobhaa De has received several awards for her literary work, including the Best Author Award from the Asian Age and the Lifetime Achievement Award from various organizations. She is also a sought-after public speaker and has participated in numerous literary festivals and discussions.

Beyond her literary career, De advocates for women's rights and social issues, using her platform to raise awareness and inspire change. Her influence extends to television, where she has worked as a producer and screenwriter, further showcasing her versatility as a creator. With a career spanning over three decades, Shobhaa De remains a significant figure in Indian literature and media, celebrated for her engaging storytelling and impactful commentary on contemporary life.

Madhu Raghavendra

Madhu Raghavendra is a notable Indian poet, writer, and cultural commentator recognized for his contributions to contemporary literature in India. He gained recognition with his poetry collections, which are praised for their lyrical quality and emotional depth. His work is known for its rich imagery and ability to connect with readers on multiple levels, often provoking thought and introspection.

In addition to poetry, Madhu Raghavendra is an accomplished translator and editor, working to bring lesser-known voices and texts to the forefront. His commitment to promoting literature extends to organizing literary events, workshops, and discussions, where he fosters a sense of community among writers and readers.

The University of Stirling, Scotland, has offered Madhu Raghavendra the prestigious Charles Wallace Fellowship in Creative Writing for 2024. Raghavendra has authored four books of poetry: ‘Make Me Some Love to Eat’, ‘Stick No Bills’, ‘Being Non-essential’, and ‘Going Home’. He uses performance poetry as a tool to advocate the cultural richness and heritage of India.

Moushumi Kandali

Moushumi Kandali is an Indian writer and poet from Assam. She is known for her evocative storytelling and deep engagement with cultural and social themes. Born and raised in Guwahati, Assam, Moushumi has been shaped by her home state's rich traditions and diverse landscapes, which often find expression in her literary work.

She began her writing journey early, developing a passion for literature and storytelling. Moushumi's work spans various genres, including poetry, short stories, and essays. Her writing is characterized by its lyrical quality and a keen exploration of identity, nature, and the complexities of human relationships.

Moushumi's debut collection of poems has garnered attention for its fresh perspective and emotional depth, resonating with readers in Assam and beyond. Her ability to capture the essence of Assamese culture while also addressing universal themes has established her as a significant voice in contemporary Indian literature.

In addition to her creative endeavours, Moushumi actively promotes literature and culture in her community. She participates in literary festivals, workshops, and discussions, where she encourages young writers to explore their creativity and engage with social issues through their work. Moushumi Kandali's contributions to literature have been recognised through various awards and accolades, highlighting her role in enriching the literary landscape of Assam. Her commitment to storytelling and advocacy for the arts continues to inspire many, making her an influential figure in the realm of Indian literature. She currently works as a lecturer at Tezpur University in the Department of Cultural Studies.

Nabina Das

Nabina Das is a poet and writer based in Hyderabad. Her latest poetry collection Anima and the Narrative Limits is from Yoda Press. Her other poetry collections are Sanskarnama (Red River, 2017), Into the Migrant City (Writers Workshop, 2013), and Blue Vessel (Les Editions du Zaporogue, 2012). Her debut book is a novel titled Footprints in the Bajra (Cedar Books, 2010), and her short fiction volume is titled The House of Twining Roses: Stories of the Mapped and the Unmapped (LiFi Publications, 2014). Her first book of translations titled Arise out of the Lock: 50 Bangladeshi Women Poets in English (curated by Alam Khorshed, Chittagong) appeared in early 2022 from Balestier Press, UK. A Rutgers-Camden MFA alumna, Nabina is the editor of WITNESS, The Red River Book of Poetry of Dissent (Red River, 2021), and co-editor of 40 under 40, an Anthology of Post-globalisation Poetry (Poetrywala, 2016). Nabina is a 2017 Sahapedia-UNESCO fellow, a 2012 Charles Wallace Creative Writing alumna (Stirling University, Scotland), and a 2016 Commonwealth Writers features correspondent. Born and brought up in Guwahati, Assam, she is an alumna of 2012 Sangam House Residency, 2011 NYS Summer Writers Institute, and 2007 Wesleyan Writers Conference. Her work has been included in research work, syllabi, and collections meant for university and school education, and her poems appear in Poetry (Poetry Foundation), Stanford University LIQ Project, Prairie Schooner, Indian Literature (National Academy of Letters), Caravan, Poetry at Sangam, The Indian Quarterly, Economic and Political Weekly, Dhaka Tribune, The Yellow Nib Anthology (Queens University, Belfast), Cafe Dissensus, Kitaab-Singapore, and Six Seasons Review, among several others. Nabina teaches creative writing in classrooms and workshops, specialises in e-Learning, and also writes columns and commentaries for newspapers and journals.Nabina has worked most recently as an academic editor, instructional designer, teaching faculty, and as a journalist for 10 years. She has also worked as a media executive in NGOs and industry bodies in the area of Gender, Development, Child Welfare, and Environment. During her diverse tenure, she has edited books on related subjects, designed and edited annual reports and yearbooks, and brochures and communication material. She has handled a prestigious Media fellowship program for journalists and development workers particularly in the Northeast while working with National Foundation for India (Delhi), a grant body directly under the Ford Foundation. She writes columns and commentaries for several newspapers and journals.

Jerry Pinto

Jerry Pinto is an acclaimed Indian poet, novelist, and journalist known for contributing to contemporary literature in India.  He is of Goan descent and often reflects the nuances of urban life in his work.

Pinto's literary career began with poetry, and he quickly gained recognition for his unique voice and ability to blend humour with deep emotional insight. His poetry often explores themes of identity, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. He is known for capturing Mumbai's essence, portraying the city’s vibrancy and struggles.

In addition to poetry, Pinto is also a prominent novelist. His debut novel, ‘Em and the Big Hoom’ (2012), received critical acclaim and won the Best Fiction Award at the 2013 Hindu Literary Prize. The novel delves into the challenges of mental illness and family dynamics and showcases Pinto’s talent for weaving personal narratives with broader societal issues.

Pinto has made significant contributions to journalism and has written extensively on various topics, including literature and social issues. His essays and articles have been published in prominent Indian newspapers and magazines, where he actively engages in contemporary cultural discussions.

Pinto has received several awards and honours throughout his career, solidifying his status as a prominent voice in Indian literature. His work resonates with readers in India and attracts a global audience, making him an influential figure in the literary world. His dedication to both literature and social causes continues to inspire many emerging writers and poets in India.

Streamlet Dkhar

Streamlet Dkhar is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Khasi at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU). Earning her HSLC in 1976, Pre-University in 1978, and a B.A. (Hons in Khasi) in 1980, followed by an M.A. in 1983, M.Phil. in 1986, and a Ph.D. in 1994, all from NEHU. With a rich academic background and extensive teaching experience, she has made significant contributions to the Khasi literature and language education field. With over three decades of teaching experience, Prof. Streamlet has played an essential role in shaping the students’ minds in the field of Khasi studies. Teaching M.A. (Khasi) for 38 years and M.Phil./Ph.D. courses for 30 years. She also taught Khasi to non-Khasi speakers at Opera Hall in 1993-1994 and had a brief stint at St. Anthony’s Secondary School in 1985-1986. Her extensive teaching experience has enriched the academic environment at NEHU.

Kynpham Nongkynrih

Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih is a well-known author from Sohra, Meghalaya. He writes poetry, plays, and fiction in both Khasi and English. Kynpham teaches literature at North-Eastern Hill University in Shillong. Some of his notable works include ‘The Distaste of the Earth: A Novel’, ‘The Yearning of Seeds: Poems’, ‘Time’s Barter: Haiku and Senryu’ and ‘Around the Hearth: Khasi Legends’. One of his latest works is the critically acclaimed novel Funeral Nights. In addition to his books, he has also published poems and stories in various journals, such as ‘Planet: The Welsh Internationalist’, ‘Wasafiri’, ‘The New Welsh Review’, ‘PEN International’, ‘The Literary Review’, and ‘Karavan’. Throughout his career, he has received several awards, including: Northeast Poetry Award (2004), Veer Shankar Shah-Raghunath Shah National Award (2008), Tagore Fellowship (2018), The Bangalore Review June Jazz Award (2021), Sparrow Literary Award (2022).