The North East isn't just about folklore and fantasy. A new fest in town unravels the best of its literary gifts
The North East isn't just about folklore and fantasy. A new fest in town unravels the best of its literary gifts
East is east, and thank God for that. As the rest of the world succumbs to chicklits and management manuals, the hills remain as virgin as they've ever been, even in terms of thought-expression. The verdant seven states of the North East of India have have managed to maintain their unique indigenous culture, even when it comes to the written form. Siyahi, a cultural group, presents Voices from the North East, a literary meet on the stories, tales and folk narratives of a relatively unexplored arm of the country. Here's all that's in store at the do, which begins today. 
Ethno-ecstasy
The event will take into account the quantum of diversity in art and culture, which is evident from the multitude of languages, ethnic groups and their common collective memory. It will deal with the art of storytelling in context to the development of North Eastern culture and civilisation. "This is our first attempt in Delhi, but what we are touching are just the tips of the iceberg. We have a huge wealth and aim to explore it bit by bit," says Mita Kapur, CEO, Siyahi.
Soul saga
Authors, poets, storytellers and performers will come together to engage in a cultural dialogue and understand North Eastern literature in its myriad moods and dimensions. Participants are Ravi Singh, Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih (a poet, short story writer and translator) and East India Company, a popular rock band from the area. Bril Desai, member of East India Company, reveals, "We were roped in by Siyahi as our theme goes with the North East, and we are glad we are a part of this. We will create a fine balance between folk and modern music, mixing electronica, blue and rock."u00a0
Others involved include Namita Gokhale (a multi-faceted Indian novelist, publisher and author), Mamang Dai (a former bureaucrat, journalist, poet and writer), Temsula Ao and Bijoya Sawian, who will be reading from their works.
Born in Nainital, Namita is thrilled to be a part of the joy of reading and writing. "Some of the best writings come from the North East, but people come to know about them in a scattered way. These writings are in different languages, so we want to bring them to the capital's comprehension," she explains. Bijoya, who translates works of Khasi into English, also feels happy at the endeavour. "Being from Shillong, I have a different way of looking at things, so it's nice I'll be able to give my views. And I will be also releasing my first work of frictionu00a0 Shadow Men, which will talk about the social, cultural dilemma," she signs off.
Voices from the North East
Where: India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road
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October 13
Rhythm of Words and Voices
Introduction by Ravi Singh and Reading by Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih
7 pm to 8 pm
Music concert by the East India Company
8.30 pm to 9.30 pm
October 14
Turning Point: New Writings from the North East
Namita Gokhale in conversation with Mamang Dai, Temsula Ao & Bijoya Sawian
7 pm to 8 pm
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