ITANAGAR, Nov 20: The 7th edition of the much-anticipated Arunachal Literature Festival (ALF), themed, "Building Bridges through Literature," officially kicked off with a spectacular inaugural session at Dorjee Khandu Convention Centre here this evening.
The three-day event promises to be a vibrant confluence of regional, national and international literary voices. 
Organized by the Department of Information & Public Relations in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS), this annual premier literary event of the state brings together renowned authors, writers, poets, translators, story tellers, scholars, artists and readers from across the country and abroad, besides state’s budding aspiring writers, thus providing a platform to the participants from diverse literary traditions - reflecting ALF's commitment to promoting the rich literary landscape of Arunachal Pradesh, while fostering dialogue between cultures and disciplines. 
Inaugurating the festival, State’s Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta underscored the timeless significance of literature in shaping society, preserving identity and keeping cultural memory alive. Calling the festival “a celebration of imagination, creativity and the enduring power of words”, he thanked the Department of IPR and APLS for uniting the literary community. He praised the rise of young and the first time writers, especially students and women, for bringing fresh perspective.
Reflecting on the deeper value of literature, he stated that, a society’s identity is shaped not only by economic or infrastructural progress but by “the strength of its ideas and the stories it tells about itself.” He emphasized that literature serves as a mirror of collective consciousness, preserving the past, interpreting the present, and inspiring the future.
Speaking on the state’s rich cultural tapestry, he highlighted its ancient oral traditions, folk songs, myths, and legends that long predate the written word. He expressed optimism at the emergence of young writers and poets across the state, who are bringing new energy and perspectives while carrying forward ancestral narratives. Gupta further acknowledged the evolving mediums of expression, from traditional print to digital platforms, and stressed the need to embrace both continuity and innovation.
Reiterating on government’s commitment in preserving linguistic and cultural diversity, he further highlighted on the ongoing efforts to document indigenous oral traditions, support local authors, and strengthen reading habits among students. The CS also stressed on making libraries in schools and universities as vibrant hubs of literary exchange and creative exploration.
Festival Advisor, who is also an acclaimed author herself, Padmashree Mamang Dai, in her insightful introductory remark, spoke on the festival’s growth and its deepening stature over the years. She stressed the importance of literature in providing solace and perspective, stating powerfully, “In the time of crisis, literature comes to the rescue”. 
Earlier, in her welcome address, Higio Zarngam, Festival Nodal Officer highlighted the festival's renewed digital commitment after a six year hiatus, noting that this outreach is crucial to take the literary exchange "beyond these four walls" marking that “Literature belongs to everyone”. 
Besides, host of literary luminaries, the event was also attended by Commissioner to HCM Sonam Chombay, Commissioner Planning Ankur Garg, Secretary Industry & Skill Development Bullo Mamu, Secretary IPR Nyali Ete and members of the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society. 
Other highlights of the inaugural session included lighting of the ceremonial lamp, screening of ALF Promo Video, Book release on Tagin Proverbs by Er.Lardik Kare and Himbitach : Tale of a Transcended Beauty written by Lopa Rebi Kojum and illustrated by Tomar Tomsai Nayam, presentation of folk dance by IPR staff and  Commissioner to HCM Sonam Chombay discussing his book “In Between the Blurry Lines“ in the ‘In conversation with the author’ session moderated by senior journalist Ranju Dodum.
The three-day event will feature multiple sessions spread across three halls – Namdapha, Pakke and Children’s Corner. The programme includes author conversations, poetry readings, prose sessions, panel discussions, workshops, storytelling performances, children's activities and theme-based talks. 
International guests - Mami Yamada, a renowned author from Japan, who has written over 20 books in Japanese, including several bestsellers is joining the festival, while the 2023 recipient of the SAARC Literature Award and author of several books including Children's books Kunzang Choden from Bhutan is participating in this ALF. Ms. Maria Gil Burman, Director of the Instituto Cervantes, Spanish Cultural center, Embassy of Spain will be doing a presentation on 'The Role of Instituto Cervantes in promoting Hispanic Literature in India'. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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