Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 29 March 2025
The three-day Literature Festival-Beyond Horizon: All India Writers’ Festival, organized by the Department of Art and Culture, A&N Administration, in collaboration with Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, continued to captivate literature enthusiasts on its second day at the auditorium of Tagore Government College of Education (TGCE). The festival, a celebration of literary creativity, has brought together distinguished writers, poets, and literary enthusiasts from across the country to explore the rich diversity of Indian literature.
The second day featured two meticulously planned sessions that highlighted different dimensions of literature, drawing an enthusiastic response from the audience. The first session, titled ‘What Makes Specific Stories Timeless Tales,’ was chaired by renowned novelist Mr. Benyamin. The panel included acclaimed writers such as Preeti Shenoy (English), Buddhichandra Heisnanba (Manipuri), Swapan Kumar Biswas (Bengali), and Samhita Veda Acharya (English), each bringing their unique perspectives to the discussion.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Benyamin expressed gratitude to Sahitya Akademi for organizing such a prestigious literary gathering in the picturesque setting of the Islands. He highlighted the significance of literary festivals in nurturing vibrant literary communities by providing a platform for prominent writers to engage with one another and their readers.
A stimulating panel discussion followed, focusing on the topic ‘What is the Impact of Literature Festivals in the Era of Social Media?’ The panelists eloquently explored how social media has transformed the literary landscape, enabling readers to connect with authors and facilitating the wider dissemination of literary works. They also delved into the timeless elements that make certain stories endure across generations, emphasizing the universal appeal of themes, emotions, and cultural nuances. Local speakers contributed by sharing narratives on the rich history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, highlighting their unique identity as a ‘Mini India’ where unity thrives amidst diversity.
The second session, ‘Poetry: The Mirror of Soul – Poets’ Meet,’ was a mesmerizing celebration of poetic expression, chaired by eminent poet Sheen Kaif Nizam. The session featured captivating recitations by distinguished poets, including Dr. Subhashree Lenka (Hindi), Rashmi Chowdhury (Bodo), Kalyani Haldar (Bengali), Ayush Dubey (Hindi), Dr. Manju Nair (Hindi), and Bhoominatham (Tamil). Their verses offered profound insights into their emotions, reflections on society, and inner thoughts.
This session provided an inspiring platform for poetry lovers, fostering a deeper appreciation of poetic expression. Budding poets from the Islands, in particular, benefitted greatly from the exchange of ideas, gaining valuable insights into poetic techniques, themes, and the transformative power of words.
As the Beyond Horizon festival unfolds, it continues to serve as a dynamic platform for literary exchange, enriching the understanding and appreciation of literature and poetry among attendees.(Story Based on PR)