Over three remarkable days, Penguin Presents The White Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair unfolded as a vibrant confluence of literature, culture, and dialogue, reaffirming its place as the premier literary festival of the Northeast. Bringing together celebrated authors, thought leaders, artists, and readers, the festival championed the transformative power of storytelling and its ability to foster conversations that are both urgent and timeless.
A Festival of Thought and Discourse
The festival opened on an inspiring note, with the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio highlighting literature’s pivotal role in preserving culture, igniting imagination, and fostering dialogue. A moving choral performance set the stage for an event that was as much about voices as it was about listening.
From the very first session, discussions traversed the landscapes of identity, heritage, and the evolution of storytelling. Whether exploring personal legacies, the moral complexities that shape narratives, or the interplay between history and migration, each panel left audiences with a wealth of reflection. The event brought forth diverse conversations, from the legacies of cricket—featuring legendary wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani in discussion with journalist Aditya Iyer—to the evolving dynamics of work, featuring Penguin author and Tech Mahindra’s CPO Richard Lobo alongside and the CEO of Chabou & Co and the Niathu Group Rajiv Ranjan in conversation with Deepthi Talwar, Executive Editor, Penguin.
Bestselling author Durjoy Datta was joined by debut writer Subi Taba, JCB Prize-shortlisted Daribha Lyndem, and journalist Gargi Rawat to offer insights into breaking through in publishing. Meanwhile, a lively conversation on literature and cinema saw storytellers navigate the intersection of frames and pages, underscoring how narratives remain our most powerful currency across mediums.
In the session Worlds Across Worlds, Turkish Ambassador and Penguin author Firat Sunel joined writers Somi L. Roy, Jahnavi Barua, and Mamang Dai in conversation with Avinuo Kire to discuss how literature transcends borders. They explored how stories rooted in history and place resonate with readers across geographies, underscoring the growing global interest in narratives from the Northeast and beyond.”
A Celebration of Food, Romance, and Children’s Literature
Food and storytelling found a delightful intersection in a panel featuring Rohini Rana, a food historian and author, Alemjungla Jamir, founder of Naga Bowl Express, and Nilanjan Bhattacharya, filmmaker and documentarian, in conversation with Rituparna Patgiri, sociologist and co-founder of The Kitchen Scholars. The discussion explored how cuisine carries history, memory, and identity, with each dish offering a story of its own.
In another engaging session, romance—one of literature’s most beloved genres—took center stage. Bestselling author Durjoy Datta was joined by contemporary author Swati Hegde and Gurveen Chadha, a seasoned editor from Penguin, to discuss the art of crafting love stories that resonate with today’s readers. From modern relationships to the emotional depth that makes for compelling storytelling, the panel celebrated the enduring appeal of romance in fiction.
The festival’s children’s programme was a lively space of imagination and learning. Documentary Filmmaker and author Samina Mishra engaged young minds with the magic of storytelling to build empathy, while award-winning children’s author Anushka Ravishankar brought her signature wit and humour to an interactive session on nonsense writing. Illustrator Canato Jimo, along with Ogin Nayam and Pankaj Saikia, led a fascinating discussion on the creation of wordless picture books rooted in culture with Sayoni Basu, Consultant Editor at Penguin. Other highlights included a special book launch by T. Keditsu, as well as engaging sessions by Zarin Virji, Lavanya Karthik and Hannah Lalhlanpuii ensuring that young readers left with a deeper connection to literature and their own cultural narratives.
A Poignant Closing and a Look Ahead
The festival concluded with a powerful session featuring local writers from Writers Collective Kohima, a literary initiative dedicated to amplifying voices from Nagaland. Their readings, steeped in the landscapes, histories, and rhythms of the region, underscored the rich storytelling traditions of the Northeast. As the festival drew to a close, Dr. Kevileno Sakhrie, prominent literary critic, academic & educator from Nagaland, delivered a heartfelt note on the festival’s unique spirit, its immense potential, and the untapped opportunities ahead.
Beyond the discussions, the festival pulsed with life. At the book fair, readers explored the works of participating authors, while the festival grounds became a space for spontaneous conversations over local delicacies and coffee.
As Penguin Presents The White Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair wrapped up its second edition, it cemented its position as a premier literary festival in the Northeast. With each edition, the festival continues to grow, evolve, and carve a lasting space in the literary landscape of the region, promising many more stories, conversations, and discoveries in the years to come.