The East Khasi Hills District Arts & Culture Society in association with the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (C ) ,Sohra Sub-Division has organised the First Sohra Literary Festival on the 11th December, at St.John Bosco Auditorium Hall, Sohra wherein Shri.Titos Chyne, M.D.C, Sohra was the Chief guest and Prof.S.Dkhar, Department of Khasi, N.E.H.U was the guest of Honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr.Chyne highly appreciated the civil administration for organizing such a festival which would serve as a platform of exposure for the youth. He owed his respect to the missionary for making Cherrapunjee is a birthplace of Khasi literature. Further, Cherrapunjee is not only rich in folklores and cultural heritage but a birthplace of Soso Tham, a Khasi poet laurette ( who is remembered to this day) and many renowned authours .He said that a civilization without literature is already a dead civilization. He therefore hoped that the festival will not only inspire but would motivate the youth and inculcate upon them the spirit of love and respect towards literature and not to forget their mother tongue. He therefore urged upon the youth to cultivate the habit of learning by choosing good books.”Good Book are man’s best companions’, he added. He then wished the festival a success.
Shri. C.V.D. Diengdoh, I.A.S, Sub-Divisional Officer (C), Sohra Sub-Division gave an introductory speech on the festival which comprises of Work shop on Creative Writing in English, Poetry and Book Exhibition Cum Sale which was open to public. Prof S.Dkhar, Department of Khasi also spoke on the occasion.
Dr. Kynpham Singh Nongkynrih, Associate Professor Department of English, N.E.H.U, Dr. Ananya S. Guha, Officer on Special Duty, I.G.N.O.U and Jerry Pyrtuh were the resource persons.
The other highlight of the day were Song presented by Sur Nylla, Lighting of the Lamp which is the essence of Knowledge and Prize Distribution to the winners in Poetry & Short Story Writing Competition in Khasi & English.
Earlier Kum.B.Ranee, E.A.C, Sohra delivered the welcome address while Shri.R.Wahlang ,E.A.C, Sohra offered the vote of thank.
