GUWAHATI: The second edition of the Dibrugarh University Literature Festival (DU Litfest) commenced on Wednesday, February 5. drawing a diverse group of writers from across the globe.
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This four-day literary gathering, a collaborative effort between the Foundation for Culture, Arts & Literature (FOCAL) and Dibrugarh University, features participants from over 25 countries spanning Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Approximately 120 authors, poets, essayists, and literary critics are expected to take part in discussions, exchange ideas, and share their experiences throughout the festival. The inaugural ceremony, reportedly held at the Rang Ghar auditorium, featured a captivating address by 84-year-old explorer and writer Tete-Michel Kpomassie. The Togolese author recounted his remarkable eight-year journey to Greenland, detailing his experiences working across Europe before reaching his destination. His adventure, which involved living among the indigenous Greenlandic people, was chronicled in his book An African in Greenland. Kpomassie also reflected on cultural misunderstandings, explaining how he initially misinterpreted the term "igloo" to mean an ice structure, when in Greenlandic, it simply refers to a house.
Notable attendees included celebrated filmmaker Jahnu Baruah, acclaimed writer Dhruba Hazarika, festival chief coordinator Rahul Jain, and university Registrar Paramananda Sonowal.
The opening day featured seven dynamic literary sessions spread across five venues. A key highlight was the session titled "It’s Time for Africa: Perspectives on the Continent, People, and Literature," held at the Rang Ghar auditorium. With Africa as the central theme of this year’s festival, several African writers are engaging in discussions throughout the event.
In keeping with the theme, Dibrugarh University students and faculty presented a documentary showcasing Africa’s rich cultural heritage and technological advancements. The inaugural ceremony concluded with a lively cultural performance by African students, leaving the audience enthralled.