Pragjyotishpur Literature Festival 2024 Ends with Focus on Regional Identity and Cultural Heritage

Guwahati:The second edition of the Pragjyotishpur Literature Festival (LitFest) 2024 concluded on a high note at the Madhavdev International Auditorium, Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, with a closing ceremony that focused on the region’s rich literary and cultural heritage.Organized by the Sankardev Education and Research Foundation (SERF) under the theme ‘In Search of Roots,’ the three-day festival brought together authors, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts to explore literature, heritage, and intellectual exchange.Nepali author Bidyapati Dahal and Assamese writer Suprakash Bhuyan were presented with the prestigious Pragjyotishpur LitFest Awards for their contributions to literature. Dahal, recognized for his work in Nepali and Hindi literature, expressed his gratitude, while Bhuyan, a rising star in Assamese literature, dedicated his award to inspiring greater responsibility in his creative work.Dr. Amarjyoti Choudhury, a respected academician and chief guest, praised the festival’s focus on heritage and its promotion of intellectual discussions. He referenced Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s ideals of national unity and cultural harmony, underscoring their relevance in today’s context.The final day featured thought-provoking discussions on topics such as regional identity, the evolution of Assam, and the cultural diversity of Northeast India. Scholars like Prof. Gajendra Adhikari, Dr. Prashanta Chakrabarty, and Dr. Jogendra Nath Sharma explored Assam’s historical transformation from the Pragjyotishpur era to its modern identity. Young researchers from Tripura, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh also shared their insights into the region’s diverse literature and traditions.Workshops on creative writing and environmental conservation attracted a youthful audience. Author Atanu Bhattacharya led a session on storytelling, while environmentalist Soumyadeep Dutta highlighted strategies for preserving Assam’s natural heritage.The festival’s second day featured panel discussions on the role of technology in heritage preservation, the significance of the Brahmaputra River in shaping Assam’s society, and the impact of media. Padma Shri awardee Arup Kumar Dutta moderated a session on the river’s ecological and historical importance, warning against the environmental risks posed by hydroelectric projects.A session on cinema’s societal role discussed how films can inspire positive change, with filmmaker Atul Gangwar, actor Kapil Bora, and film critic Aparajita Pujari exploring the power of meaningful storytelling.The festival closed with cultural performances, including devotional songs, mime acts, and folk music, highlighting the connection between literature and regional traditions. The event, which began with an inaugural ceremony featuring economist Swaminathan Gurumurthy and author J Sai Deepak, successfully blended intellectual discourse with cultural celebration.