SHILLONG, MAY 9: The second Creative Arts Literature and Music – ‘CALM’ Festival kick-started in Shillong on Thursday and drew eminent scholars and artists from across the country who have called the event as ‘unique’ – a right kind of platform to expose the ‘hidden-talents’ of the youths from the state.
East Khasi hills deputy commissioner Sanjay Goyal told reporters, “The district administration through this initiative is trying to give a platform to local youths in the field of music, arts and literature.”
Goyal said the district administration is all gear up to make this an annual event also dedicate it to the youths who are talented in various fields.
A group of city journalists also spoke to eminent personalities and authors who came to participate in the festival.
Eminent columnist Jug Suriya termed the festival as a great stress buster as it induces sense of calmness on him. He said, “We live in a hectic age especially if you are a media person and festivals like this are greater stress busters.”
Former Meghalaya home minister and writer, poet and a musician RG Lyngdoh felt this kind of events would allow the youths to showcase their talents besides allowing them to release their frustrations in a more productive way. He said, “We have very creative people and such festivals would encourage others to come online.”
Short story writer and poet Temsula Ao also said the festival is ‘unique’ since it does not confine only to artists and writers but it is also focusing on important social issues like old age.
Ao felt this type of festivals should reach out to a greater audience.
Most of the authors felt that this kind of events is needed in the region as the north east is more often in the news for all the wrong reasons and somehow felt that we do not know how to celebrate life even as they expressed concern over the fact that the youths nowadays are more connected to cyber space then real space and lack of conversation is further adding to the problem.
Another Indian author, translator and columnist Mitra Phukan who is also participating in the event is delighted to come back to her home (Shillong) where she did her schooling.
Speaking about controversy that normally surrounds similar literature festivals, Mitra was of the view that controversies also result in meaningful and effective discussion but media does not focus on that.
Former IAS officer turned social activist Toki Blah was also all praises for the festival and said festivals like this would encourage youths to showcase their talent.- By Our Reporter
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