Cricketer Syed Kirmani, author Durjoy Dutta to participate in The White Owl Lit Fest Nagaland
Turkish Ambassador Firat Sunel, former Indian cricketer Syed Kirmani, bestselling author Durjoy Datta, and award-winning author Lavanya Karthik—are set to take part in the second edition of The White Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair in Nagaland
- DIMAPUR — A
sterling set of personalities—including Turkish Ambassador Firat Sunel, former
Indian cricketer Syed Kirmani, bestselling author Durjoy Datta, and
award-winning author Lavanya Karthik—are set to take part in the second edition
of The White Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair in Nagaland, starting
February 17.
- A press release from the organisers on Thursday informed
that the literary event—with the theme ‘Inspire, Imagine, Inscribe’—will be
held at the Zone Niathu by The Park in Chümoukedima. It aims to showcase the
rich literary and storytelling traditions of the Northeast.
- The three-day festival this year will feature a mix of
renowned speakers, local authors, workshops, and discussions spanning literary
topics, history, pop culture, and more. It is organised by The White Owl
Nagaland in collaboration with Penguin Random House India (PRHI).
- “This year’s festival is an invitation to discover stories
in every form—books, films, sports, and culture. We’ve curated a programme that
speaks to every kind of audience, from passionate readers to curious minds.
Sessions that revisit India’s first World Cup victory and explore the new-age
rules of romance promise engaging conversations.
- “With a perfect blend of Northeast voices and global perspectives,
we’re creating a space where storytelling thrives. Most importantly, our
exclusive programming for young readers is our small contribution to shaping a
new generation that finds joy in books, authors, and the magic of reading,”
stated the press release.
- The festival will feature discussions on a range of topics
such as preserving indigeneity, food cultures, Indo-Myanmar borderlands, and
romance in pop culture, film, storytelling, poetry, and sports.
- Other speakers in The White Owl Literature Festival and Book
Fair include the likes of culinary author Rohini Rana, Tech Mahindra's chief
people officer Richard Lobo, illustrator and art director at Pratham Books
Canato Jimo, and children's author from Mizoram Hannah Lalhalanpuii.
- In addition to literary discussions, the gala will also host
art and writing workshops as well as interactive sessions on topics such as the
art of expression, stories in pictures, mental health, inclusivity, and
diversity.
- "The festival not only celebrates Nagaland's vibrant storytelling
heritage but also emphasises the fundamental importance of reading, listening,
and writing in our lives, advocating for a renewed commitment to literacy and
creative expression, inspiring future generations to read, listen, and write
with passion and purpose," added Viketuno Rio, festival director and
proprietor of The White Owl.
