GUWAHATI: The second edition of the Pragjyotishpur Literary Festival commenced on Friday at the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra premises in Guwahati. The three-day festival, which runs until December 15, has brought together hundreds of literature enthusiasts. Under the theme "In Search of Roots," the festival aims to explore India's rich heritage and knowledge traditions.
Delivering the keynote speech, "Development through Culture," Swaminathan Gurumurthy critically examined the distorted portrayal of India in global narratives. Expressing his discontent, he stated that while India achieved independence 75 years ago, it has yet to develop independent thinking. Gurumurthy questioned the Western analytical lens used to assess India and lamented how Indian education has historically suppressed the entrepreneurial spirit in favour of fostering a mindset focused solely on employment.
Lt. General (Retd.) Rana Pratap Kalita emphasized the importance of bringing historical narratives to younger generations, while Dr. Malini Goswami highlighted the region's deep-rooted connection with India's literary and cultural traditions.
The festival will feature several panel discussions and workshops, including topics such as "Heritage and Cultural Identity: The Role of Technology," "The Role of the Brahmaputra River in Assam's Diverse Society," and "Beyond Entertainment: The Role of Cinema in Shaping Societal Values."
The inaugural ceremony featured Dr. Malini Goswami as the chief guest, while Swaminathan Gurumurthy delivered the keynote address. The event commenced with a soulful rendition of Borgeet by classical music artist Vidyasagar, stated a press release.
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